THE nation and the republicans should stop bickering about the monarch's finances.

The recent visit by the Queen, with the loyal support of Prince Philip, to Canada and the USA, including the United Nations Assembly, demonstrates what tireless and invaluable service she gives us.

She was dignified, perfectly mannered and immaculately dressed (including a recycled evening gown).

Imagine the expense and political shenanigans of a president.

The Treasury is the net beneficiary of the monarchy.

The overall cost of the Royal Family in 2008-2009 was £41.5million, compared with the net receipts for the same period from The Crown Estate of £230m.

Since 1760, the rents and profits after administrative costs have gone to the Exchequer, a fact studiously ignored by anti-monarchists.

Her Majesty has set an example by reducing this amount in 2009-2010 by £3.3m to £38.2m. If the profligate Labour government had been as prudent, there would have been no need to cut the capital expenditure on Hounslow's schools, as covered by the Chronicle on July 9.

LIZ MAMMATT Engleheart Drive

Feltham