I have to admit that in all my eighty-two years, I have never encountered anything more certain to destroy my pride in my country and allegiance to the monarchy I was brought up to respect, than this catalogue of replies by totally inept officials.

I have now encountered too many similar cases since my return to Britain in 1997; they have all caused me to change my mind as well as my ideals. They have reinforced my rethinking on the subject of duty and allegiance. I regret that I will never again feel the same about anything to do with law. order, government, or the monarchy. They are simply empty words relating to people who are entirely self-serving and without meaning for the people of Britain in 2018.

They have left me feeling soiled and ashamed of the British Establishment – though not of being British; there’s nothing wrong with the country or the people – whatever their colour or creed.

via Maurice Kirk: Letter to Prince Charles + more 24 Aug. 2018 + archive