Writing to the Royal for Christmas (2017)

The Royals absolutely love to get letters and cards from the public, and Christmas is no different!

Writing for the 1st time?

If you are writing to the Royals for the 1st time (or want a refresher on the basics) check out our page on "Writing to the Royals." This post will only cover the specifics for Christmas 2017. 

Send by Date?

It is always hard to choose a "Send by Date" to recommend to you all. When you should send your letters varies from country to country, and depending on where you are sending it to, the type of mail (economy, standard, first class, priority, etc.), if it is a standard size envelope, etc.

Our general recommended Send by Date: Tuesday, December 5th! 

To find the exact "send by date" for you, check out your national postal service's website. Some of you may need to send your letter earlier, while others will have more time.

Remember during the Christmas season, it often takes longer for mail to arrive. 

What if I miss the Dec 5th send by date?

That is okay. Feel free to continue sending your letters/cards after this date, it just may not arrive by Christmas. If you are sending your letter after Christmas, I would re-focus it a little and wish them a Happy New Year and 2018.  

Addresses?

• Current Monarchies 
• Europe
• Rest of World
• Former Monarchies
• Europe + Rest of World

Note:  A lot of Monarchies outside Europe are not Christian and don't celebrate Christmas. If you wanted to write to them, I would figure out what it is they are celebrating this time of year, or just send them good wishes for the season/new years.  

What if I don't celebrate Christmas?

Don't worry! You can still send the Royals a Holiday/ Winter Season/ New Years letter or card, whatever it is you are celebrating this season. Be aware, however, most royals send out pre-made cards, that aren't personalize for each person, so their reply may thank you for your Christmas wishes.

What to write?
I very often get asked this question. The answer is, write whatever you feel like writing about. There is no one right answer. As long as you are being respectful and thoughtful, it is hard to go wrong.

For Christmas you could mention things like: 

• Some event in 2017 that was particularly meaningful to you 
• or a cause, royal visit or tour, etc. 
• 2017 Calendar can be found here.
• What you are most excited for in 2018 
• How this royal has inspired you 
• What you admire about the royal family 

Royal Birthdays in December & January:

3rd Dec   Prince Sverre Magnus of Norway (12)

6th            Princess Sofia of Sweden (33)

7th            Princess Catharina-Amalia of Netherlands (13)

10th          Princess Gabriella of Monaco (3)

10th          Crown Prince Jacques of Monaco (3)

18th          James, Viscount Severn (10)

23rd         Queen Silvia of Sweden (74)

25th          Princess Alexandra of Kent (81)

5th  Jan   Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg (97)

5th             Juan Carlos I of Spain (80)

8th            Prince Vincent of Denmark (7)

8th             Princess Josephine of Denmark (7)

9th             Duchess Kate of Cambridge (36)

15th           Princess Michael of Kent (73)

19th           Princess Margriet of the Netherlands (75)

20th          Queen Mathilde of Belgium (45)

20th          Countess Sophie of Wessex (53)

21st            Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (14)

23rd          Princess Caroline of Monaco (& Hanover) (61)

25th           Princess Charlene of Monaco (40)

30th          King Felipe VI of Spain (50)

30th          King Abdullah II of Jordan (56)

31st           Princess Beatrix of Netherlands (80)

Some of the Big Events in late 2017/early 2018:

2017 

• Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip's 70th Wedding Anniversary  (November)
• Princess Anne & Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence's 25th Wedding Anniversary  (December)
• Prince Gabriel of Sweden's Christening (December)

2018

• Princess Madeleine of Sweden & Chris O'Neill's 3rd child due (March)
• 5th Anniversary of King Willem-Alexander's Accession (April)
• Prince William & Duchess Kate's 3rd child due  (April)

Full 2018 Calendar can be found here.

What to expect?

Royals get thousands of Christmas cards and letters each year, full of well-wishes and hopes for the coming year. Unfortunately, most are unable to send out personal responses. Responses vary greatly across the different royals. Most respond with a pre-made thank you, and the response will usually be sent sometime in January, or February. There are some royals who sadly don't send replies.

You can check out our replies from 2016 & 2015.

A few past replies from 2014-2016

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