Jean Calder is obviously entitled to her opinion re an appropriate tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales (The Argus, August 28). However, some of her statements need to be challenged.

I always find it interesting that self-avowed republicans try to claim Diana in death as one of their own, implying she was set on usurping the very family and institution she married into. How little they understand her.

Diana was vocally conscious and supportive of her sons' inheritance and wished them to be involved in the future of the monarchy.

I also note that Ms Calder yet again refers to the Windsors as a "dysfunctional family". For those of us who were privileged to serve them - in my case, for eight years during the Eighties - this description could not be further from the truth.

What many of us witnessed was a mutually supportive and loving family and often we wondered whether we had been in the same place after reading a supposed newspaper exclusive.

Three divorces equal a personal human tragedy, not a constitutional crisis.

Ms Calder also states that Diana's death was "very convenient".

It is reassuring she absolves the Royal Family from any responsibility.

However, who does she suppose would have benefited? Thankfully, she does not offer any suspects.

Could that be due to the plain facts that the driver was drunk and the only person to have survived was the only person to have worn a seat belt?

I am a monarchist and would not vote for a republic tomorrow. Along with the vast majority of my fellow citizens I believe the Royal Family in general - and The Queen in particular - perform an admirable role for this country.

Along with Diana, they all have their own individual exceptional qualities which may not always be front page news.

The tribute in Hyde Park to the late princess may not be perfect but perhaps the best tribute to her would be to speculate less on the nature of her untimely death - especially at this sensitive time of her anniversary - and remember with thanks and affection the difference she made to people's lives.

-Iain D Bailey, Hove