A political prince

sir – You report (June 11) that the Prince of Wales has privately described the Government’s plans to send refugees to Rwanda as “appalling”.

A constitutional monarchy like ours survives because it is genuinely above politics. This is why the Queen is so respected. No one knows what she thinks; there are no “leaks” or hints from her circle.

We are in a period of transition that could be dangerous for the monarchy if Prince Charles does not follow his mother’s example. It fools no one to say you are politically neutral, then allow people to know that you are not. Republicans will love this and feel it bodes well for their cause.

AP Lodge

Winchester, Hampshire

sir – Prince Charles has only expressed what many people think: to send refugees to an uncertain fate in another country is barbaric.

He is perfectly aware that when he becomes king he won’t be able to speak so candidly.

John Taylor

Purley, Surrey

sir – I am not a monarchist, but I applaud Prince Charles.

The Rwanda scheme is indeed appalling. It is also inhumane and unworkable in many ways. For one thing, it has not been fully costed, and Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, has ducked questions on this.

Moreover, there is nothing to stop deportees from leaving Rwanda and doubling back to Europe, with the aid of people smugglers. This is what happened with most of the African refugees Rwanda took from Israel in 2014-17, under a similar scheme.

Some have condemned Prince Charles for interfering in politics. But if the monarchy is to survive, surely modern royals must be free to comment on current affairs. That way, they stay relevant.

Dr Lotte Hughes Witney, Oxfordshire