I WAS very disappointed to see the small-minded comments on social media with regards to the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to Herefordshire on October 1.

I am no royalty fan, and I do understand why many might resent the lifestyle these people live, but I can’t help but think, regardless of your personal opinion of them, we should celebrate such visits.

The reality is that visits from anyone who has a national profile, be they a prince or a pop singer, get national attention.

ALSO READ:

Our small, local organisations, charities and businesses are splashed across news websites and printed papers, and so many more people are made aware of them and what they do.

This can be nothing but a good thing. We should be happy that the profiles of hardworking Herefordshire organisations are being raised by visits like these, not treat them with contempt.

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

The other side of this is that it is a fantastic bit of recognition for those local organisations and charities, who often beaver away quietly without much ceremony. A visit from a prince surely gives these people a much needed boost and reminds them that their efforts have not gone unnoticed, that they are indeed valued.

We are a very cynical society these days. Perhaps we all need to put a bit more effort into seeing the good of things.

JANE POTTER

Hereford