Coronation protesters

sir – As a member of the public in Trafalgar Square last Saturday, I agree that anti-monarchist demonstrators had every right to protest, which they did – vocally and irritatingly (Letters, May 8). It simply isn’t true that their right to protest was infringed, though it may have been curtailed.

I personally am very thankful for the police action, which was efficient and effective, and allowed the protesters to be heard. It’s a pity, however, that they didn’t use their democratic right to stay away.

Sally Turner Stotfold, Bedfordshire sir – Last weekend’s events have surely shown what can be achieved by dedication, loyalty and professionalism. One hopes now that this can be transferred to the day-today productivity of Britain.

Royalty are the team leaders; politicians need to up their game. Michael Marks

Leominster, Herefordshire

sir – Heartiest congratulations to the selfless Armed Forces, who contributed so significantly to a faultless Coronation. They neither strike nor work from home.

What a shame that our many failing public-sector institutions are not imbued with a similar sense of duty. Bryan R Doling

West Ashling, West Sussex

sir – Andrew C Pierce (Letters, May 8) expresses distaste for the national anthem, urging a replacement “about the history and future of the United Kingdom”. Others have entertained a different view.

In 1813 Beethoven wrote in his diary: “I have to show the English a little of what a blessing ‘God save the King’ is”, going on to introduce it into the Battle Symphony, which he dedicated to the Prince Regent.

Haydn was inspired by the tune when composing his magnificent

Austrian Imperial Hymn, while Weber introduced it into his cantata Battle and Victory and Jubilee Overture. Brahms likewise employed it in his

Triumphlied. As is well known, revolutionary America has since 1831 sung My Country, ’Tis of Thee to the same tune.

The phrase “God save the King”, of course, originates in the Old Testament.

Nikolai Tolstoy

Southmoor, Berkshire

sir – The words of our national anthem are not about “deference to a monarch” (Letters, May 8), but form a prayer for the monarch sung by the people. This is a different thing altogether and underlines the humility of our King. Denise Hurst

Poole, Dorset

sir – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Coronation anthem, Make a Joyful Noise, did indeed “hit the mark” (Features, May 8) and was eminently hummable, as the King had commanded.

Can he please now turn his attention to writing hymn tunes? I have long felt that a collection of Lloyd Webber hymns would do more to reverse the decline of churchgoing in our land than any number of mission plans and audits.

Rev Professor Ian Bradley

Emeritus professor of cultural and spiritual history

University of St Andrews

sir – At least my eight-year-old vegetarian granddaughter thought the Coronation quiche was delicious – helpfully increasing my very limited veggie repertoire for her.

The rest of the family vetoed it in favour of a good old quiche Lorraine. Sue Cooper

Upper Hartfield, East Sussex