POOR Prince Charles. Witnessing his treatment at the hands of the tabloids has been like watching a wounded animal being prodded with a sharp stick by a sadistic youth.

We have been told it's "in the public interest". And we are told the unconfirmed gossip behind the story is so dangerous it could "bring down the monarchy". I doubt it. The rumour does little more than provide us all with a bit of a snigger down the pub.

These unsubstantiated allegations don't have even a muffled ring of truth. (Just ask Camilla). But even if they did, would anyone really care?

There have been many more significant issues - such as Charles's treatment of Diana and their subsequent divorce - which the monarchy has survived in the past.

This story could end up being far more harmful to the tabloids and, ultimately, the freedom of the Press. For they come across as little more than vindictive playground bullies, taunting their victim with a "backs against the wall, lads" type of sexually immature, smutty anti-gay innuendo.

The repeated use of those "nudge, nudge" pictures of Charles with the aide at the centre of the rumours standing close behind him say more about those pursuing him than they do about the Prince himself.

And if the vicious attacks continue, a public backlash could result in the Press losing some of its hard won freedom to criticise in the public interest.

I am not a monarchist, but surely we can think of better reasons - from the vast expense of the Royal lifestyle to arguments against inherited privilege, unfair deference and abuse of status - to attack the monarchy than this sort of muck-raking?

Whatever your views on the Royal Family, Charles and his sons, who have suffered enough anguish in their short lives, do not deserve this.

BRITISH couples will only be able to choose the sex of their baby for medical reasons, following a Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority ruling. Some will be disappointed, but as the mother of five fine sons, I am in no doubt about what a precious, individual gift each child is and am baffled that any parent would demand the right to order a baby of one sex rather than the other, as if they are doing a spot of catalogue shopping. Couldn't they just select a pet that meets their requirements instead? Perhaps they could even buy one to match the colour of their new winter coat.

CHILDREN say they get most of their sex education from soaps like EastEnders and shows like Jerry Springer. Real life is going to turn out to be much more boring than most of them anticipate.

THANK you for your letters with your top gripes. Pat Hutchinson, of Darlington, hates the repeated trailers for the TV programmes coming up next, "as if we don't know already" and people who blow smoke in your face in the bus queue. Ruth Gamble, of Dallowgill, near Ripon, says we now live in a far more fast-moving, throwaway world. "There is more rubbish, waste, technology and strangers and less real quality time." Pat and Ruth win a copy of Favourite Jokes, Share a Laugh With 100 Celebrities, which, hopefully, will give them lots to chuckle about.