SIR – When Mr Gardner (T&A, May 13) has finished blowing his own trumpet perhaps he would tell us how he got his job as Director of Rugby?

Her Majesty has nothing to learn from Mr Gardner, in fact she could well teach him many a lesson. When she became our head of state she dedicated her life to the service of the British people. It is 63 years now, and counting, since that vow was made and not once have we heard a moan, a whine or a boast.

Select a head of state by merit? Like President Kennedy, who earned his presidency after his father bought the union vote, or like Mr Blair, who did a deal with Mr Brown, who went on to make a muck of it by calling a lady “a racist old woman” or words to that effect.

Should we replace an “expensive” monarchy with a possibly even more expensive presidency? Not according to Winston Churchill, who said “We don’t have the best system of government, but we do have the best of the worst”.

If Her Majesty accepts Mr Gardner’s invitation, I hope he deigns to receive her with all due respect.

E Dunn, Trenam Park Drive, Thackley