Arise, Sir Dominic
Sir: Dominic Lawson, in his diary (8 June), suggests that he finds the Independent's coverage of the royal family 'eccentric', in particular their lack of reporting on Prince William's recent accident.
It seems to me, and I should state that I'm not an Independent reader, that it is not their position which is eccentric, but rather it is those newspapers who devote pages and pages to the fatuous trivia that surround this one rather privileged family whose views are eccentric. For example, Today's seven-page feature included com- mentary from psychologists on the long- term effect on both victim and assailant. Given this was covering a relatively minor accident involving two little boys, the like of which happens a thousand times a day, does that not seem eccentric?
At long last the issue of the relevance of the monarchy is beginning to be debated by an increasing number of people. One finds that one is no longer greeted by howls of disbelief if one ventures to suggest that the burden that this family places on equality in this country is no longer appropriate. I am convinced the debate will widen and eventually lead to a rede- fined and more relevant role for the Windsors.
In the meantime perhaps Dominic Law- son, who is still very young, is looking forward to the day, as many contemporary journalists seem to, when the shiny sword is placed on his shoulders by King William, albeit a slightly battered King William. Nigel Tipple
Bank Tree Cottage, Ibthorpe, Hampshire
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