Pizzas galore!

For the past 300 years the monarchy has decreased in relevance and power. With the rise of the media as a major influence on public life, the scrutiny of the Royal family has increased manyfold in its intensity. Unfortunately for Prince Charles and his decendents, they have been reduced to little more than "B" list celebrities, with a similar relevance to the population at large than the contestants on Big Brother or any other reality TV show. The real question is not whether his reaction was inappropriate, or understandable. It is whether a modern, forward thinking, and succesful nation, needs a monarchy at all. Philip Webster, Leigh

I first heard of this "confrontation" while listening to the BBC news hour on my local PBS station. I heard very mild (by American standards) comments, so I was surprised to hear these same comments being referred to as an "outburst" and that the commentator felt that the "damage had been done." And you even refer to the remarks as "scathing". Huh? Thinking of the week before my wedding, I recalled many moments that I was not my most patient person in the office. Thank goodness my co-workers have thicker skin than these "journalists" who make their living asking insipid questions and wanting (evidently) only mundane, canned responses. And then reporting that an annoyed response is really news? Any journalist offended by Charles's remarks needs a very long vacation. In the Sudan. That's where they might learn a little perspective on what is news, and thicken up their skin a bit. Nanci Blanton, Kansas City, USA

Unreasonable, of course. He is lucky to have someone as honest and impartial as Witchell, who is one of the best correspondents the BBC has got. I shall always remember the quality of his anchorwork in the early part of the first Gulf War. In fact, I have never understood why the BBC wastes him on the Palace. Francis Wells, Fourqueaux, France

Charles's reaction was entirely understandable though perhaps indiscreet. The way he and his sons are subjected to such intense media scrutiny frustrates me, and it is unimaginable for the those who will never experience it. Compounding my frustration is the amount of news coverage this will be given when the Prince's tireless works in aid of good (though often unfashionable) causes goes largely unreported. Alastair Morely, Leeds

Once again Charles has shown himself to be arrogant, pompous and very ungracious. He clearly has no concept of his role and demonstrates his total disregard for people. If he wants to be left alone, he is in the wrong job! Roger Kendrick, St Honorine, France

Absolutely understandable! Leave the guy and his family alone. Even a prince has a right to a private life. Much of today's press is devoted to nothing but titilating gossip. Even so-called respectable journalism often succumbs to the tempation to pander to the baser tastes of the populace. The result is a constant barrage of coverage of things that are basically of concern only to the people involved (witness the Terry Schiavo case and Bill Clinton's impeachment hearings). I too hate that aspect of tooday's press and find I spend less and less time reading or listening to "news". Richard Bremer, Ann Arbor, USA

Unreasonable. He is an unelected public figure given huge wealth and privilege. Dealing with the media is the price he pays for performing his job. Charles Low, Hong Kong

Reasonable. For heaven's sake, with all the unending critcisms, the neverending nitpiking and carping, I am surprised he hasn't said it long before this. According to the press, he can do no right and the hounding goes on. It is immaterial to me if he marries Camilla or not, but it would seem to me that, since they love each other, he will be a happier man and could, therefore, become a happier person, and perhaps a better prince - if given the chance. Name and address withheld

Morag Dalziel poors scorn on Prince Charles' charity work. Has she set up a charity that has helped over 100,000 British youths and created one in ten of new jobs for youths in Wales alone? Has she raised over £50 million pounds a year by attending fundraising events? Has she seen her good works ignored and her marriage criticized? She must be a really amazing person to be so uncharitable to Prince Charles. Luke McGee, Tenterden

Oh dear! Another example of how spoilt, indulged and petulant our heir to the throne is. Part of his great conceit is that he cannot understand that the reason the nation is not rising as one and chucking confetti about is that a great many of his subjects believe that he should forego all rights to the throne beforehand. You can't have your cake and eat it - unless, it seems, you are Prince Charles. Lucy Collins, Cambridge

Like many others, I find these "friendly" interviews between press and royalty a farcical piece of theatre, making both sides look ridiculous. We should simply stop them as there is very little real interest. However, if we must have these staged shows, then Prince Charles should act his part and stick to the script or give the role to a better actor. Barbara Johnstone, Bonn, Germany

How many times a day do we all use "bloody", either in mind or spoken? The patience of the Royal family has been stretched to its limit. Instead of calling his remarks arrogant, I'd say it makes him more down to earth. He is human, and has the right to show human emotions confronted with the impertinence of photographers and journalists. I'd prefer our future king to rather show anger than always be suave and controlled. Ann Richards, Bristol