Letter: We're better off with a monarchy

Sir: George Orwell's Animal Farm should be compulsory reading for those who imagine we would be better off without our monarchy. The hereditary factor in our constitution maintains stability of government despite our quarrelling and ephemeral politicians.

Does Christopher Hitchens ('Away with them and their overweening power', 2 June) really suggest that this country would benefit from the long, drawn-out financial drain of US-style presidential elections, or an ethos in which class is based entirely on money?

Recently, the Queen has made successful visits to the European continent, towards which we are now increasingly drawn, and with her special royal training has for many years admirably represented us as our worldwide figurehead.

Yours faithfully,

MARY SANFORTH HART

London, SW15

2 June