The Queen died on 8 September and the country provided a full state funeral, with all its complex logistics, for her 11 days later. My father-in-law died on 19 August. It took 14 days just to get a death certificate from Birmingham City council to start planning, and his funeral will take place on 30 September – 42 days later.
David Lee
Staveley, Cumbria
• Sean Ingle hits the right note (Too many sports were deferential after the Queen’s death. They must learn from this, 18 September). My granddaughter asked her dad if her football match would be taking place on the Saturday morning after the Queen’s death, and he said that it wouldn’t. She asked why, because she thought it was only grassroots football that was affected and she played on Astroturf.
Stuart Waterworth
Tavistock, Devon
• I had no difficulty getting the Guardian on the morning of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral (Letters, 18 September). My copy was delivered to my home just as the wall-to-wall coverage was starting on TV, which was a relief. Thank you for your balanced coverage of the period of mourning. Never was the Guardian more needed.
Matthew Ryder
St Neots, Cambridgeshire
• I set off at 10.30am on Monday for a long walk with my two whippets. Judging by how many people I saw out walking, running and cycling, there is hope for a republic yet.
Peter Thornton
Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester
• I did welcome the first chance in many years to cycle in peace and safety along the A5.
Bob Caldwell
Badby, Daventry
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