IN reply to Mr C A Bakewell's comments in 'Hypocrisy of royals' (Letters, April 22), he would appear to be ignorant of the British constitution.

The royal family does not arrange for anyone to visit this country on a 'royal visit.' The Prime Minister does and, I have to believe, with the support of his government.

Mr Bakewell has something the Queen does not have - a vote.

I must add that having spent nearly six years in uniform during World War Two and having a relative who was a prisoner of war in Japan, I also regret the visit of Emperor Akihito.

ERNEST HALL, Rowan Park, Christleton, Chester.

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