So Diana Spencer is the third greatest Briton of all time.

If that is the case, I am the greatest driver of a golf ball off the tee since Jack Nicklaus. We must be a very naive and shallow nation.

What did she achieve in her admittedly short and tragic life? She didn't invent calculus, counter anti-Protestant sentiment domestically and abroad, or even arrange a rock concert to alleviate starvation in Africa.

She was a very ordinary woman who looked good, smiled shyly and was prepared to undertake a lot of worthwhile charity work.

We have placed her on a very unstable pedestal due to our emotional reaction to all things Diana.

IAN ROBLIN

Abingdon