A ROYAL invitation from Buckingham Palace to fly the flag for Camilla Parker Bowles will be snubbed this weekend.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and the nation's other local authorities have been invited to fly the Union Jack this Sunday in honour of the Duchess of Cornwall's 58th birthday.

But in a clear snub to Mrs Parker Bowles, borough Mayor Maureen Grant has declined the invitation following informal discussions with council officials.

Cllr Grant said: "This decision hasn't been taken by the council or as a council.

"I'm told it would be my decision, and after consulting with an officer, the decision was taken.

"This isn't a borough opinion, just my personal opinion, but I don't believe that we should fly the flag and honour her in this way.

"I didn't like the way Charles and Camilla behaved towards Diana.

"I believe they behaved abysmally, and treated her in the same way.

"If they had behaved as a proper couple, Diana wouldn't be dead."

The Duchess of Cornwall's name has been added to an exclusive list of senior royals to be honoured by the flying of the Union Jack on significant occasions.

The flag is currently hoisted on the Queen's real and official birthdays, key dates from her reign, and the birthdays of Prince Philip, the couple's four children and the Countess of Wessex.

Mrs Parker Bowles' name was added to the list last week by the Queen, and the flag will this Sunday be flown on magistrates courts, government buildings and offices of the Armed Forces.

But the directive is optional for local authorities, leaving the borough council free to ignore the new protocol.

The decision has been slammed by local war veteran Frank Jones, who believes the council are "living in the past".

He said: "I believe they should do it. Charles and Camilla should be left to carry on with their own lives together.

"Divorce happens throughout the world, and I think we should be forward-thinking.

"I understand that a lot of people object because of the late Diana, but I think it's time to move on, because it could hurt William and Harry.

"We should accept Camilla Parker Bowles as the wife of Prince Charles.

"I believe the council is living in the past."

l What do you think? Write to Readers' Letters, Crewe Guardian, 42, High Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 7BN