To the list of merits of the monarchy offered by Andrew Try (Letters, June 11) we could add the fact that the Queen’s importance also lies in what she takes away from her ministers.

It is she and not they who embodies personally that which citizens honour and for which armed forces serve. Political figures may aspire to appear patriotic but they are not the monarch.

Ian Forrester QC
Judge of the General Court of the European Union 2015-2020
Luxembourg