Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Irene Birch is right that the Belgians had a referendum on the monarchy (letter, 9 September).
The referendum was held after the end of the Second World War to decide whether Leopold III should remain on the throne.
Opinions were divided about whether he had done the right thing in staying in Belgium during the Nazi occupation (the Dutch royals ran away to England instead) or had dishonoured the crown by compromising too much with the enemy.
The referendum went in Leopold III's favour, but only by a majority of 57 per cent.
Feeling that his popular support was insufficient, the king abdicated in 1951 in favour of his son Boudewijn who reigned for the next 42 years.
Demos please note: just because a referendum comes out in favour of a candidate for the monarchy, it doesn't mean the people will get the monarch they voted for.
D BISHOP
Brussels
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments