The late Queen was a model of restraint, stoicism and dignity.
Sadly, those values appear to have deserted her offspring as they descend into yet another bout of blood-letting.
Nobody takes pleasure in watching a family tear itself apart in such an undignified way.
Some will blame Harry and Meghan for voicing their grievances in a Netflix documentary. Others will claim the fault lies with those who drove them from royal household.
Wherever responsibility lies, the conduct is unbecoming and deeply damaging to the reputation of the monarchy.
The royals risk losing public support if they persist with their feuding and score-settling at a time when people are having to rely on foodbanks and cannot afford to heat their homes.
Their behaviour is not just disrespectful to the memory of the Queen and an institution she served so dutifully. It shows a disregard for those who are facing real hardship and privation.
Pay the people
No worker ever wants to strike. They are driven to it because jobs and services are at risk and appeals for decent pay rises have been ignored.
It is the only way unions have to persuade bosses that forcing members to choose between heating and eating is not acceptable.
A government which praised key workers during the pandemic is now trying to paint them as the enemies of the people.
They are not. They are the people. They tend us in hospital, deliver our post, drive our trains and keep us safe.
If we value their work we should pay them the wage they deserve.
Bitter triumph
The sentencing of Anne Sacoolas will have unleashed mixed feelings for the parents of teen road victim Harry Dunn.
Their perseverance was finally rewarded but they should never have had to fight so hard and so long to see justice done.
