Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, died aged 99. Photo: Alan Warren

• DOES no one question the symbolism of gun salutes to mark – or even “celebrate” – the life of Prince Philip?

What kind of mark of respect is it to fire off guns whose only purpose is to kill people?

What kind of society sanctions and approves this childish but barbaric display? It is the kind of display that I would expect of a child with his toy pistol.

It just shows how far we have to travel before we can be considered as mature adults who value life, not death, and can celebrate without enrolling the military in their childish games.

NIGEL ARMISTEAD
Ospringe Road, NW5