While dire mistakes happen in warfare in an undoubtedly regretful way, it’s mildly amusing that in opining on which side of the English Civil War he would be recruited into, Joe Hildebrand didn’t help his sentimental Republican cause by accidentally joining the “Cavaliers”, the actual nickname for the king’s men. Oops Joe! The Republicans were the “Roundheads”. (“When our royals ain’t royals, they’re losers”, DT, 13/4). In an otherwise excellent article, the case was clearly made that the British royal family is threatened from all sides and needs reform. Charles I caused the monarchy to collapse for a decade, so let’s hope history doesn’t repeat. An energised King William V might need to channel his predecessors more positively, adopting a conquering spirit (William I), build ties with Europe (William II), establish a glorious revolution that reinvigorates British life (William III), and drive social reforms that enhances democracy and the workings of the House of Commons (William IV). I guess if William is successful, Joe Hildebrand might not regret being a Cavalier after all. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 14Apr2026