When did the best news for any family prompt such bile? - Editor's comment

I have several friends who have shared their good news during lockdown and it has really brought a smile to the faces of all around them. New life is a precious thing and becoming a parent is wonderful.

For me, news that the Queen is about to become a great granny again can only be seen as a positive.

I’m not bothered what your views on our royals are, Meghan’s pregnancy is a moment of happiness. If you don’t want to celebrate with them, then just ignore it. I’m sure they won’t be bothered by that as there are always plenty of people falling over themselves to get the attention of influential folk. But, why oh why, do so many of us have to be so horrible about it? It is never, ever acceptable to throw abuse at a pregnant woman, in fact it should never happen at all to anyone. That it occurs so regularly and is hardly ever challenged says absolutely nothing about Meghan and Harry but everything about those attacking them.

I know that there are national newspapers with clear agendas against the couple but are we so easily influenced that we can’t just either just shrug with disinterest or enjoy sharing in their moment of happiness?

I’m not asking you to have sympathy with a woman who has recently suffered a miscarriage or even acknowledge that it might not have been easy to have been the first mixed race royal in our country. But I do believe we should always act like decent human beings and remember that no matter what their wealth or life choices, we should treat everybody as we would wish to be treated ourselves.

We are all looking for things to lift our spirits so perhaps we could let Meghan and Harry do that for us, particularly since they timed the announcement for Valentine’s Day. Personally, I like the photo they released. It clearly reflects them as people and isn’t that what we want?

My mum brought me up to believe that hating only damages those who do the hating. There are many wise women in Sheffield who could teach today’s judgemental society an awful lot. If we listened more to good, we might even feel happier in ourselves. If you’ve nothing good to say, keep your gob shut.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.