To the Editors: As a Briton living in the States, I was impressed by your informative yet lighthearted coverage of the royals' visit [PEOPLE, Nov. 11]. You captured the mood inspired by Charles and Di at home, which is seldom understood outside the British Isles. Ronald and Nancy Reagan give the presidency a similar kind of glamour. Politics exists, whoever is at the top. The glitter makes the politics more bearable, even enjoyable. Susan Elliott-Booth Lacey, Wash.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana are a handsome and delightful young couple who have the good fortune to be living a real-life fairy tale. Their appeal is universal. Even so, the amount of media hype accorded their visit to the U.S. is beyond reason. The majority of Americans, who do not live in either Washington, D.C., or Palm Beach, Fla., realize that the visit is inconsequential, a prime example of a media-created event. Jack W. Gould DeSoto, Texas
The flippant familiarity you use in talking about Their Royal Highnesses is insulting. An added injury is the inclusion of every possible unproven, gossipmongering rumor. Anyone who has had experience in serving the public interest and knows the sacrifice it entails must share my admiration for the royal couple's grace and dedication. They should be allowed to carry out their duties in an atmosphere of serenity and respect. Jacqueline Conte Castellaro, Italy
The Prince and Princess of Wales take their roles of representing their nation seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Would that our politicians could do as much. Kenneth Cuthbertson Coralville, Iowa
I was surprised to find that in referring to Queen Elizabeth's appearance, TIME would use such an outdated description as "dour librarian." The library profession has been combatting this unfortunate stereotypical image for years. There is no time or inclination to be dour in the modern library. Marla Schwartz Bethesda, Md.
A more absurd collection of trivia and maudlin, boring gossip than the Charles and Diana story would be difficult to imagine. Why we Americans should continue to be so obsessed with the comings and goings of an effete and parasitic monarchy, which we shed our blood in 1776 to be rid of, will forever remain a mystery to me. This is not to denigrate the civility or the quality of other British cultural institutions for which we have a deep and abiding respect. But after all is said, God bless the Republic. Jerome L. Starr New York City
Isn't it nice that, in this world of constant change, the British royal silliness remains constant? Mary Hollingsworth Atlanta
Spying WalkersA feeling of disgust came over me as I looked at the smirking face of John Walker Jr. [NATION, Nov. 11]. For his treason he should never be granted pardon or parole. William T. Brockman Atlanta
You say John Walker Jr. will be eligible for parole in ten years. What kind of justice is that for a man who would sell his country to the Soviets? The death penalty would be a more deserved alternative. Richard G. Brody Fort Collins, Colo.
Plea bargaining should not be acceptable in this case. If Walker cannot be "forced to talk against his will," what guarantees do we have that he will reveal all, as promised in his plea bargain? This is no bargain for the American people. Karen Ann Jakuc New York City