JOE Beardsworth would do well to remember that history tells us what happened when this country got rid of the monarchy.

A dictator took power and it wasn't long before people realised their mistake and after nine years the monarchy was restored.

I'm at a loss to know what he wants because he castigates the Prime Minister too. It wasn't the Queen who sent our troops to fight in Iraq, but the very person (democratically elected) who would reign supreme if the monarchy was abolished.

In my lifetime the royals have been a stabilising influence in a time of great change. They have shown courage and stoicism and been a beacon through dark days.

How easy it would have been for King George and Queen Elizabeth to move out of London and send the princesses to Canada, but they chose to remain.

Their courage gave heart to the common folk, for if the royals could stay in the capital then so could we all and we all defied Hitler.

Queen Elizabeth II vowed to serve our country and commonwealth all her days and a thoroughly good job she has made of it .She has never swerved from the path of duty.

When the Queen comes to Blackburn I hope that Joe Beardsworth and his ilk stay far away so that I and others who appreciate the role that she plays on the world stage can show that appreciation by giving her a right royal welcome to Lancashire.

EILEEN EASTHAM, Milton Close, Darwen.