In reply to my letter (‘Significant symbols’, March 26), Charles Gauci stated that the fleur-de-lys symbolised the English claim to the crown of France proclaimed by Edward III (‘UK’s claim’, March 29). It depends from what perspective history is perceived.

The history of the British monarchy actually commenced in 1066 – thereafter all nobility and aristocracy was from French blood. Most of the spouses then were French. The English monarchs started to speak the local language not before the 1300. Their claim to the French crown was from the very fact that their origins were French and a large tract of French soil was their inheritance, hence, the 100-years war. On a light vein, in the Keeping Up Appearances TV serial, the lady of the house insisted that her surname, Bucket, is pronounced with a French accent as this was more upper class.