I THINK it rather perverse to argue that an institution as popular as the British monarchy is undemocratic (March 2).

Though that curious novelty, the royal family, is often criticised, surveys consistently show support for the monarchy (which we fortunately have) to be approximately the same as that for electoral reform (which we unfortunately have not). That is to say, a clear and sufficient majority acceptable to any committed constitutionalist.

It may legitimately be argued that HM's forebears were, in the main, economic refugees, but that was a long time ago, and respect is surely due to the manners of a more liberal age.

Perhaps, on consideration, a return to the traditional elected monarchy, favoured by our English kings, may be a solution acceptable to monarchists and republicans alike?

As a traditionalist, I am inclined to the view of a 14th century York democrat who suggested we keep the monarchy, but get rid of Parliament.

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 11:27 Monday, March 12, 2001