Our system of constitutional monarchy has been tried and tested and found to work well. Is the syllabus in citizenship a cynical ploy by republicans to push their agenda on pupils? If so, we should refuse to teach it.

Citizenship should explore how our system of constitutional monarchy developed, its strengths, the stability it gives and the safeguards provided by the separation of powers. The only justification for changing what we have is if we can replace it with something better. We experimented with a republic under Cromwell and hated it.

I have not the slightest qualm in celebrating the great state occasions and anniversaries. That all this should centre on a person gives it heart. A republic focuses on a clinical code with which we cannot identify. Her Majesty represents high ideals, especially those of duty and service. By contrast, politicians, as we all know, crave power and make use of the electorate to grasp it.

Neil D Bryson

5 Chatworth Close Maidenhead, Berkshire