Duchess's letters defended

London - The Duchess of York was acting "quite naturally" in writing to the royal family's most senior members after the funeral…

London - The Duchess of York was acting "quite naturally" in writing to the royal family's most senior members after the funeral of the Princess of Wales, a close friend of the duchess said last night. "It is ridiculous nonsense to suggest that she is trying to worm her way back into the royal family," she said.

The friend, who preferred not to be named, was commenting on a report in yesterday's Sun newspaper that the duchess had written to the queen, the Prince of Wales and Princess Anne, begging forgiveness for past indiscretions. - (PA)