I'VE seen some ill judged, ill educated tripe published in the letter pages of your publication in the past, but the Stalinist ranting of Neil Windle about Princess Margaret last week has probably taken it to a new level.

Not only is it totally clear that Mr Windle, or would he prefer Ms, has no concept of what our royal family do or more importantly what kind of human beings they are, he also has no idea of the public service and works carried out by Princess Margaret in particular.

For eight of my 14 years in the army she was my regiment's Colonel-in-Chief.

My experience of meeting her was of a gracious and genuine lady doing her job.

Of course the life of many royals is cosseted and their charity work in no way compares to the pensioner that gets up on a dark and damp morning to work voluntarily in their high street Oxfam shop, but these are people whose job is decided at birth, no debate or career choice.

She in particular, as most know, had the one true love of her life denied because of her position.

Yes some of the royals are by no means affable nor the sharpest tools in the box, and Mr Windle clearly resents the money spent on the civil list, though any tourism expert will tell you it's money well spent.

I too look forward to the day when I can declare myself a citizen of my own country not merely a subject but at least I live in a society where I have the freedom to say that.

Show me one anywhere in the world using the Socialist Party of GB's model where freedom of speech is standard.

This capitalist society that we inhabit may not be totally free but at last we don't drive tanks over our protestors.

Mr Windle's caustic and cowardly attack on a dead woman only serves to reveal the kind of intellectual condescension so typical of people like him.

The only brave man here, was you, for publishing it in a free press.

Darren Clifford

Heysham