Sir, In arguing the case for abolishing our monarchy, Cassandra F. Petibout (Letters, May 26) had no need to adopt the boorish tone that she does by referring to the Queen as 'Mrs Windsor' and to those who chose to go to greet her as a 'rent-a-crowd mob'! This sort of thing does little to advance the cause of republicanism.

I hope to be allowed to pose a couple of questions which come to mind. Ms Petibout asks how much the Queen's visit to Oxford cost. Does she really think that it would be cheaper to safeguard a president in similar circumstances? Can she suggest any president of any republic which exists today who would do a better job than Her Majesty?

A.V. Brown, Oxford