THE ROYAL CHARLES

Prince Charles’ ability to comment on plants and environmental issues is his only redeeming quality (“Building a Better Prince,� by William Tuohy, May 8). Rather than giving him an aura of looniness, these topics lend him an air of intelligence. However, the fact that he still goes on fox hunts, even though his parents are involved in the RSPCA and the World Wildlife Fund, argues for his eccentricity.

Charles’ participation in blood sports and comments about tampons should be more than enough to keep him off the throne. How anyone could bow and scrape to this individual is beyond comprehension.

D. KENTNOR

West Covina

In as precarious a position as the monarchy finds itself today, it might be worth considering a solution offered by A. N. Wilson in his book “The Rise and Fall of the House of Windsor.� He suggests as an ideal successor Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a grandchild of George V (as Elizabeth herself is). Richard has a lovely wife, three fine children and no hint of scandal in his quiet and, frankly, not-too-interesting life. Also, he is descended on his mother’s side from Charles II.

HELEN CURE

Long Beach

Now that I’ve read the great job Tuohy did of trashing Prince Charles, I suggest that Tuohy return to the United States, where he could lend his considerable talents to the job of crucifying Bill Clinton.

MARY P. WILSON

Laguna Hills