WHEN will people (including The Northern Echo) learn that when a couple marry in the Church of England they say “I will” and not “I do”?

“I do” merely expresses what is happening at the time, “I will” says something positive about the future.

Peter Elliott, Eaglescliffe.

I OVERHEARD a conversation in an Asda store the other day when a middle age couple were discussing the royal wedding. “Waste of time,” one said.

“What have the royals ever done for us,” said the other (without a trace of irony or intended humour).

Well, I am not an ardent royalist, but I watched the TV coverage and what I saw filled me with pride.

Here was Britain at its best, providing a spectacle full of pageantry, tradition, colour and hope, in a manner and style that would be envied across the world.

More than the story of a beautiful couple very much in love, it really was an opportunity for the nation to celebrate our history and heritage with the Royal family as a symbol of continuity and stability in a very unstable world. And celebrate many did. Two billion people apparently watched it worldwide – they can’t all be wrong.

I really hope the Asda couple took the time to tune in.

John Crick, Bishop Auckland.