Having read Simon Pym Williamson riposte to my letter regarding Prince William.

Remarkable and many achievements at such a young age, I can only be thankful that as Mr Williamson says ‘we do live in a democracy where free speech is allowed, otherwise I fear that Simon Pym Williamson would have me beheaded or at best locked up in the Tower!

I used the term ‘Captain’ as an easy means of identifying the many different ranks that Williams has achieved in such a short time, each of which required, normally, living on the hob and indulging in continuous training in barracks with the men! William has done very well to be able to qualify to even get on all of these training courses, passing each of them and graduate with ‘Officer’ rank. Thousands of mere mortals with high academic qualifications have failed to be accepted as a cadet!

Finally, I cannot see the point of this training when the establishment will not allow them to use their newly-acquired skills for fear they may, as future kings in line, endanger themselves to injury or even worse. Is it all therefore really a facade, all played out as a reason to wear uniforms for ceremonial occasion with medals whether it be an Army, Navy or Airforce occasion or am I being too realistic and romantic? A commission in the Army, Navy or Airforce is not just for Christmas or November 11 but for full time and life normally.

Douglas Wathen, Salford Priors.