I WONDER how many Socialists refused to accept the extra bank holiday for the Royal Wedding due to their republican principles?

Perhaps about as many as the socalled Socialists who, over the past 20 years, refused to sell their house for more than they bought it for and willingly accepted to forego any such profit, or perhaps as many as those who refuse to be part of a company bonus scheme or even a company share scheme, or refuse additional perks that are not offered to all staff, or don’t do the National Lottery for fear of having to give it all away.

They’ll never dabble in the stock market as part of their pension schemes. Oh no, these good little comrades would do nothing of the sort.

We all know the truth, though, don’t we.

Jim Tague, Bishop Auckland.

D PEARSON’S suggestion that “There are more people who love the royals than republicans” conflates several issues (HAS, May 9).

First, what is actually meant is that many people love a grand public spectacle – but not necessarily the royals themselves.

Second, it is entirely possible to “love” the royals and still find it unacceptable for anyone to gain a position in public office simply by inheriting it.

Chris White, Spennymoor.