Letters, Aug. 12, 1996

CAN THIS BOY SAVE THE MONARCHY?

"There is no better way to ensure emotional danger for Prince William than to put the future of the Windsors and their reign on his shoulders." CAROLYN ELGAR Richmond, Virginia

Can Prince William Save the Monarchy [WORLD, July 22]? Why should we think that is desirable? Rather than fawning over a 14-year-old who has done nothing to deserve his celebrity other than being born, we in the U.S. should be occupied by our American experiment. The political breakthrough that freed us from an inbred aristocracy is a concept that in 220 years has led to the dissolution of dozens of dynasties and royal houses. Hereditary monarchies, with the appellation "by the grace of God," are more than just quaint anachronisms. The English should spend less time considering whether Diana should be called Her Royal Highness and a little more considering why anyone should be. THOMAS BALL San Juan, Texas Via E-mail

It is appalling to think that a family as wealthy and privileged as the British royals has failed at something millions of others have succeeded at--leading a decent life. All the royals have to do is show their smiling faces every so often and give a bonus handshake. If that's too much for the family, why does the British public still support it? VIKAS DUVVURI Stanford, California Via E-mail

Prince William is the ideal king-in-waiting, having inherited the best features of his parents: his mother's good looks and his father's devotion to duty. There is no doubt that William is a breath of fresh air. MAHMOUD RAKHSHANI Toronto

The night Prince Charles was born in 1948, my mother thought it important enough to wake me, then nine, to tell me the excellent news: "Elizabeth has an heir." In spite of the royal family's subsequent problems, my mother died a confirmed royalist. People of my generation, brought up in an era when the royals were generally very popular, find it difficult to imbue our children with that same enthusiasm. Most of us now know the royals are no different from other people. William, the "fresh heir," as you describe him, should be released from the kingship of his country. Let there be a referendum on the monarchy soon. I believe it will save Wills some heartache. LOUIS PROCTOR Liverpool, England

Who cares if Prince William can or cannot save the monarchy? It has ceased to be of any interest, and at best is just good material to fill the tabloids. ASHER GABBAY Petah Tikva, Israel

Figuratively speaking, Princess Diana has been beheaded. Now all that remains is for Prince Charles to ascend the throne in due course; his appropriate name then would be King Henry VIII the Second. Long live hypocrisy! JOCELYN MARY SEEMANN Durban, South Africa

The problems of Diana and Charles were exacerbated by the media. Let young William live in peace. SUNIL SHIBAD Mahim, India

STAYING INVOLVED