IT is a pity that your curmudgeonly correspondent Andrew McCrae (Letters, May 6) contradicts Ian W Thomson's belief on the same page that those of a republican persuasion would concede that the Queen and Prince Philip have provided examples worthy of commendation.

Republicans often need to acquire a sense of humour.

When visiting a university in Australia, Prince Philip was introduced to a couple identified as "Mr and Dr Robinson". The husband explained that his wife was a doctor of philosophy and much more important than he was. Philip replied: "Ah yes, we have that trouble in our family too."

I may add that I have a similar problem in my marriage.

David Miller,

80 Prestonfield, Milngavie.