WHEN Aled Jones (Letters, July 8) says we could find a more cost-effective system than the monarchy, I believe he is not of the same opinion as many people, especially the older generation of this country.

The smug Blairs would like to emulate the American Presidential system, especially Cherie Blair who, while on her money-making lecture tour of the US, dubbed herself Britain's first lady until someone pointed out that we Brits only recognise the Queen in such terms.

Then we have the dreadful Jacques Chirac whom even the French can't stand, not to mention the warmongering George Bush who got us into the debacle which is Iraq.

Our monarchy is unique and irreplaceable. It provides us with all the wonderful pageantry that no other country can hope to emulate, but wish they could.

Queen Elizabeth II is truly worth her weight in gold. We are lucky to have her and her family, even though some of that family are less than perfect. But then whose is? I for one would hate to see our royals replaced with a republic. God save the Queen.

Mrs W P Carter,

Marston Crescent,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 10:25 Tuesday, July 19, 2005