LA Fontaine's remark in 1686 that "Every newspaper editor owes tribute to the devil" is even more relevant to today's undisciplined hacks.

Not content with their part in the death of the mother of William and Harry, it looks as though the children are to suffer even more trauma as their paternal relatives are torn limb from limb. What these hysterical scribblers hope to achieve is blatantly obvious - the demise of the monarchy and the birth of a republic.

That every nasty, vindictive remark aimed at their loved ones is certain to wound the innocent youngsters. Yet, they will carry on their evil trade until their objective is a reality.

J CROWTHER, Carlinghurst Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.