SIR – Regarding Kevin Wilson’s letter (T&A, August 3), the “accident of birth” to which he refers disdainfully brings with it tremendous responsibilities in the form of service to the country and Commonwealth.

Before she became Queen, Princess Elizabeth began serving her country by joining the ATS along with many other courageous young women. She was ‘one of the girls’, maintaining and driving military supply vehicles during the dark days of war while our troops were fighting for our survival against an evil regime whose elected leader was bent on world domination.

As she was only 17 at the time, by my reckoning, she has served the country for 69 years through thick and thin.

The National Anthem is sung to honour the amazing achievements of Team GB who, through their dedication to sport are serving their country in the same way as a certain, truly amazing, 86-year-old.

Beat that if you can, Mr Wilson.

Susan Baxter, Garden Terrace Heaton