King Felipe of Spain's Speech at the Presentation of the Order of the Golden Fleece to Princess Leonor
I am happy to welcome everyone to the Royal Palace of Madrid on such a special day. I sincerely thank the Prime Minister, Government representatives, as well as other officials and guests who have joined us, your presence at this ceremony has such great significance.
Today, the Princess of Asturias [Princess Leonore] receives the Order of the Golden Fleece, which is deeply rooted in the history of Spain and Europe. This is an Order that for centuries has been granted -among others and singularly- to the Prince or Princess of Asturias [Heir to the Throne] from a very young age, so that over time he or she may know, little by little, the traditions and duties of the Crown and understands the responsibilities that one day he or she will have to assume. (King Felipe received the Order at age 13.)
The Order of the Golden Fleece was born in the old Duchy of Burgundy, in the Late Middle Ages, and more than half a millennium ago it was integrated into the Crown of Spain with the Habsburg dynasty. And so, with the Monarchy, it managed to achieve its enormous prestige and worldwide recognition.
It was created to reward and represent the values of excellence, service, and loyalty. Throughout its history it has evolved and adapted to the times, always maintaining its essence and constituting, at the same time, a benchmark of Spain's historic European recognition. At present, membership in the Order represents the highest award, reserved for professionals of excellence linked to great services to Spain and to the Crown.
This day, my 50th Birthday, I have chosen to formally present Princess Leonor with the Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece, which I granted her on October 31, 2015, when she turned ten-years-old.
In this way, dear Leonor, I have chosen to share with you my special day, to highlight, with the greatest solemnity and symbolism, our personal and institutional commitment to Spain. A commitment that has its roots in the history of Spain, which updates and gives full democratic validity to the 1978 Constitution, approved by the Spanish people, and which is renewed day by day, with dedication, hard work, loyalty and responsibility.
This ceremony represents and celebrates the present and the future. In which, as Monarch and Head of the Order, I have given you the Collar and the insignias that identify it.
Before you, Leonor, and for centuries, People received this order, who dedicated their lives and work, to the service of Spain or who offered their help and friendship. Today, some Monarchs and Heads of State of other friendly countries, as well as Spanish personalities are members of this Order. There are a few Members of the Order attending this event: Mr. Javier Solana Madariaga, Mr. Víctor García de la Concha, and Mr. Enrique Iglesias García.
They received the necklace from, then Monarch and Head of the Order, your grandfather King Juan Carlos, promoter of the Spanish transition (to this current constitution and form of government) and to whom we must thank for their leadership in achieving the democratic system in which we live.
Mr. Javier Solana Madariaga has stood out for promoting at the highest level the international recognition of our country in the political and multilateral spheres, especially in Europe and the Atlantic area.
Mr. Víctor García de la Concha has dedicated his life to the care and expansion of the Spanish Language, that extraordinary way more than 500 million people around the world communicate; Our language, together with the other languages spoken in Spain, is one of our greatest treasures and is an essential part of our cultural heritage.
Mr. Enrique Iglesias García has devoted much of his life to fostering and promoting friendship, development and cooperation between countries on both sides of the Atlantic with whom we share a past, present and future.
Their names evoke important concepts for our country such as Culture, Europe and Latin America. Their qualities and achievements for Spain, as well as their commitment and responsibility to maintain at all times what is right and to be the best example for citizens, determined their appointment as Members of this Order.
I can not forget to mention your great-grandfather, my grandfather Juan, Count of Barcelona, former owner of the collar you have received just today.
Today, Leonor, you take a symbolic and very significant step in your preparation and your future on that path that began on June 19, 2014, when, following my accession, you became the Princess of Asturias and the rest of the titles traditionally bestowed to the heir of the Spanish monarchy. This Order that I just delivered to you - and that I know you receive with joy and aware of its importance - will appear on your coat of arms as a symbol that will remind you of the demands imposed on the heir to the throne.
To receive this Order implies special responsibilities for you, which you must assume inspired by the deepest values and ideals; values that you must hold and strengthen day by day in your heart. Because your actions — all of them — must be guided by the greater sense of dignity and exemplarity, by honesty and integrity, by the capacity of renunciation and sacrifice, by the permanent spirit of improvement, and by your unreserved dedication to your country and your people.
You must respect others, their ideas and beliefs; and you will love the culture, the arts and the sciences because they give us the best human ways to be better and help to progress in our society. You will be guided permanently by the Constitution, fulfilling and observing it; you will serve Spain with humility and awareness of your position; and you will make yours all the worries and joys, all the wishes and feelings of the Spaniards.
I know that today you may find many demands and many responsibilities, overwhelming and difficult, but you should know that you will have the support of many people who want the best for Spain, for the Crown and for you. Your family will always be by your side: especially your mother and sister, Sofia, who will be with you supporting you; also your grandparents; and of course I, your father, you know that I trust you fully and that I feel enormously proud to have given you this morning the Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Congratulations Leonor. And thank you all for your presence.
Tuesday, 30 January 2018
Wednesday, 24 January 2018
Royals Attending World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (2018)
Royals attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Belgium
Belgium
- King Philippe & Queen Mathilde
Jordan
Liechtenstein- King Abdullah & Queen Rania
- Crown Prince Hussein
- Hereditary Prince Alois
- Prince Maximilian
- Prince Albert
- Queen Maxima
- Crown Prince Haakon & Crown Princess Mette-Marit
- King Felipe
- Princess Beatrice
Monday, 15 January 2018
Cambridges Tour of Sweden & Norway
Monday, January 29th - Stockholm, Sweden
- (Arrive in Sweden. Spend the night at the Residence of the British Ambassador)
- Attend bandy hockey event at Vasaparken, an outdoor ice-skating venue in the center of Stockholm
- Luncheon at Royal Palace of Stockholm
- with King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
- Walk through the cobblestone streets of Stockholm to Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm.
- With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
- Meet members of the public
- Visit Nobel Museum
- Meet former Nobel Prize Laureates
- With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
- Visit Ark Des, Sweden’s national center for architecture and design
- Dinner at the British Ambassador's residence
- With Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, representatives from government, parliament, business and culture
- Meet with Sweden's Prime Minister
Wednesday 31st - Stockholm, Sweden
- Visit Karolinska Institute, Sweden's largest medical academic research center
- The Karolinska Institute awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
- With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
- Visit Matteusskolan, a comprehensive school
- Hear about the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program run by the National Association for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill Health
- With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
- Visit one of Sweden's leading department stores – NK – to open an interactive exhibition of UK design, fashion and brands that operate in Sweden
- Private Tea at Haga Palace the official residence of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
- With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
- Attend an event at the Fotografiska Gallery
- Speech by Prince William
- With Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel
Thursday, February 1st - Oslo, Norway
- Visit Arlanda Airport, Sweden, and meet with Mr. Peter Hultqvist (Defence Minister), Major General Mats Helgesson (Head of the Swedish Air Force) and representatives from Saab AB.
- (Depart Sweden from Arlanda Airport. Arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, greeted by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit)
- Offical welcome luncheon at Royal Palace
- With King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Astrid, Princess Märtha Louise
- Visit the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the Palace Gardens
- With Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon,Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Princess Ingrid
- Meet members of the public
- Attend an event held at MESH, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies
- With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
- Official Dinner at Royal Palace
- With King Harald, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Princess Astrid, Princess Märtha Louise, members of government, leaders in business, members of the armed forces, etc.
- Speech by King Harald
- Speech by Prince William
- (Spend the night at the Royal Palace)
Friday 2nd - Oslo, Norway
- Visit Hartvig Nissen School
- With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
- Meet the creators and actors behind the successful TV series "Shame." It is an introduction to discussions with students, teachers and actors about the challenges that can face adolescents in today's society - identity problems, bullying, sexual abuse and eating disorders.
- Private lunch at Skaugum, the official residence of The Crown Prince and Princess of Norway
- With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
- Visit Holmenkollen, the snowy hills that overlook the city of Oslo
- Visit the Holmenkollen ski museum and then watch a demonstration from some of Norway's top under-18 ski jumpers
- With Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit
- Attend an event organised by the Norwegian Ski Federation
- Join children taking part in a number of outdoors activities
- (Depart for London)
Friday, 12 January 2018
Commonwealth Day Service & Reception
Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey Picture credit: Westminster Abbey/Picture Partnership |
Service
Each year on Commonwealth Day, a service is held at Westminster Abbey in London. The service is attended by the Monarch and a number of working royals. As part of the service the Monarch gives a Address. The address has been given in many forms over the years: In person speech, pre-recorded audio and printed in the program.
The Service usually begins at 2:45 PM. And airs live on BBC 1.
During Queen Elizabeth's reign a reception was held after the service by the Commonwealth Secretary-General at Marlborough House. And was usually attended by a couple. In 2023, during the first year of King Charles's reign, he hosted the reception at Buckingham Palace and attended by almost all of the royals attending the service.
Royals Attending Service & Reception:
King Charles III's Reign
Boxes in blue represent the Royals in the Procession that year.
Royal | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charles | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Camilla | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
William | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Kate | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Edward | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Sophie | x | - | - | - | - | ||
Anne | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Tim | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Duke of Gloucester | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Duchess of Gloucester | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Duke of Kent | x | - | - | - | - | - | |
Buckingham Palace Reception | All from Service, except for Kate | - | - | - | - | - | |
Attend Secretary-General's Reception | No Reception | Queen Camilla | - | - | - | - | - |
Notes:
2023: Princess Kate was initially announced as attending the reception, but did not. The Palace then stated she was never scheduled to attend.
2024: King Charles was undergoing Cancer Treatment. Princess Kate was on Sick Leave following recovering from Abdominal Surgery.
Queen Elizabeth II's Reign
2021-2022Boxes in Blue represent the Royals in the Procession that year.
2021 | 2022 | |
---|---|---|
Queen Elizabeth | * | Canceled |
Charles | * | X |
Camila | * | x |
William | * | x |
Kate | * | x |
Edward | ||
Sophie | * | |
Anne | - | |
Alexandra | X | |
Other Royals | (Duke & Duchess of Gloucester canceled due to Covid) | |
Attend Secretary-General Reception | No Reception | Charles |
Notes:
2022 - This was Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Year
2021 - the service was held digitally due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The royals listed * participated in the digital service.
2011- 2020
Boxes in Blue represent the Royals in the Procession. Boxes in Green represent Royals who were listed in the order of Service as being apart of the Procession but weren’t actually.
2011 | 2012 (Diamond Jubilee) |
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Elizabeth
|
x
|
x
|
Sick
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Philip
|
x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Retired
|
||
Charles
|
x | x | x | x |
x
|
x | x | |||
Camilla
|
x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||
William
|
x | x | x | x | x | |||||
Kate
|
x | x | x | x | x | |||||
Harry
|
x | x | x | x | x | |||||
Meghan
|
Pre-Wedding
|
x | x | x | ||||||
Andrew
|
x | x | x | x | ||||||
Edward
|
x | x | x | |||||||
Sophie
|
x | x | x | x | ||||||
Anne
|
x
|
|||||||||
Duchess of
Gloucester
|
x
|
|||||||||
Alexandra
|
x
|
|||||||||
Other
Royals
|
Did not Attend
|
|||||||||
Attend Secretary-General Reception | Queen | Queen Philip | Charles Camilla | Charles Camilla William | Charles Camilla |
Note:
2017- Year of the big media uproar about Prince William & Princess Kate not attending.
2001- 2010
Boxes in Blue represent the Royals in the Procession.
2001 | 2002 (Golden Jubilee) |
2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Elizabeth
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Out of Country |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Philip
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
Charles
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
|||||||
Camilla
|
Pre-Wedding
|
x | ||||||||
Other Royals
|
Did not Attend
|
|||||||||
Attend Secretary-General Reception | Queen Philip Charles | ? | Queen Philip | Charles Camilla | Queen Philip | Queen Philip Charles Camilla |
1991- 2000
1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Elizabeth
|
x | ? | Sick | x | x | x |
x
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
Philip
|
? | ? | x | x | Out of Country |
x
|
x
|
Out of Country |
||
Charles
|
? | ? | x | x | ||||||
Edward
|
? | ? | x | |||||||
Anne
|
? | x | ||||||||
Other Royals
|
Did not Attend
|
|||||||||
Attend Secretary-General Reception | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | Queen Charles | Queen | Queen Philip | Queen Charles |
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
UK Royal Birthday Bells, Flag, Gun Salutes (2018-Present)
Photo: Sgt Randall RLC/MOD, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
The list of Flag days and Gun Salutes is released at the beginning of the year. Westminster Abbey publishes its schedule of bell ringing on a rolling 6 months in advance.
Which Royals get Bells at Westminster Abbey, Flag Day or 21 gun salute doesn't normally change year to year.
21 Gun Salutes are the standard. But there are circumstances in which the number of rounds is increased. In Royal Parks (e.g. Hyde Park & The Green Park) they add 20 rounds as they are a Royal Park. The Tower of London add 20 for being a Royal Palace, plus 21 for the “City of London”.
2023-2024
Royal | Bells at Westminster Abbey | UK Flag Day | 21 Gun Salute | Month |
---|---|---|---|---|
King Charles | yes | yes | yes | June/November |
Queen Camilla | yes | yes | yes | July |
Prince William | yes | yes | June | |
Princess Kate | yes | January |
2022*
The first change (since I started recording this) came in 2022, as Westminster Abbey decided to only ring Birthday Bells for Queen Elizabeth & Prince Charles due to "financial strain."
The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport also changed their Flag Days in 2022 to just include Queen Elizabeth & Prince Charles.
Royal | Bells at Westminster Abbey | UK Flag Day | 21 Gun Salute | Month |
---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Elizabeth | yes | yes | yes | April/June |
King Charles | yes | yes | yes | November |
* The schedule for 2022 remained unchanged after Queen Elizabeth's death in September.
2018-2021**
From 2018-2021, there was no change, except for Prince Louis's addition following his birth & Prince Philip's removal following his death.
Royal | Bells at Westminster Abbey | UK Flag day | 21 gun salute | Month |
---|---|---|---|---|
Queen Elizabeth | yes | yes | yes | April/June |
Philip* | yes | yes | yes | June |
Charles | yes | yes | yes | November |
Camilla | yes | yes | July | |
William | yes | yes | June | |
Kate | yes | yes | January | |
Cambridge Kids* | yes | Apr/May/July | ||
Harry | September | |||
Meghan | August | |||
Andrew | yes | yes | February | |
Edward | yes | yes | March | |
Sophie | yes | January | ||
Anne | yes | yes | August | |
Queen's Cousins | Various |
* Prince Louis was added in 2018 following his birth. Prince Philip was removed in 2021 following his death.
**In 2020, due to the Coronavirus, the 21 Gun Salute was canceled for all Royal Birthdays. And all Birthday bells ringing at Westminster Abbey were canceled for April 2020 - August 2021 birthdays. (But because Westminster Abbey published it's bell ringing schedule on a rolling 6 months in advance, we could see who was supposed to get Birthday Bells for much of that period.)
Tuesday, 2 January 2018
Prince Albert of Monaco's New Years Eve Speech - English Translation (2017)
Dear Citizens, Dear Residents, Dear Friends,
The past year has been marked by a sometimes rough and dark international news.
Yet in the heart of these dark momements, there were gestures of solidarity and creativity. Let us reconize and express our gratitude to those who made those gestures.
I hope that 2018 is the year, political and economic leaders are committed to building a more livable and fairer world through sustainable development, favoring a "green" economy and building peaceful, open societies, away from the temptation of isolation and the balance of power.
The people of Monaco will vote on February 11 to elect their representatives. I remind you that I respect strict neutrality in this regard and do not support any canidate.
I hope that the discussions that will take place during this time will be respectful, focusing on harmony and unity, and in the spirit of our institutions. They have demonstrated their effectiveness by offering a powerful social and economic model that benefits us. Monaco's strengths and characteristics can not therefore be challenged.
To our young people, I wish you an exciting life, may you meet intresting people and come to understand their different ways.
To the sick, to those who are griefing or mourning overwhelms, I say our closeness and our union in the test.
The sick, the people that the death or grief overwhelms, let us come together and support you.
Dear Citizens, Dear Residents, Dear Friends,
To each and every one of you, Princess Charlene and I express our best wishes for the year 2018. May it be serene and fruitful for you and your loved ones.
And may we continue together to forge a path looking ahead to find a new way in this complex world.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy New Year (in Monégasque)
Back to Christmas 2017 - Main Page
The past year has been marked by a sometimes rough and dark international news.
Yet in the heart of these dark momements, there were gestures of solidarity and creativity. Let us reconize and express our gratitude to those who made those gestures.
I hope that 2018 is the year, political and economic leaders are committed to building a more livable and fairer world through sustainable development, favoring a "green" economy and building peaceful, open societies, away from the temptation of isolation and the balance of power.
The people of Monaco will vote on February 11 to elect their representatives. I remind you that I respect strict neutrality in this regard and do not support any canidate.
I hope that the discussions that will take place during this time will be respectful, focusing on harmony and unity, and in the spirit of our institutions. They have demonstrated their effectiveness by offering a powerful social and economic model that benefits us. Monaco's strengths and characteristics can not therefore be challenged.
To our young people, I wish you an exciting life, may you meet intresting people and come to understand their different ways.
To the sick, to those who are griefing or mourning overwhelms, I say our closeness and our union in the test.
The sick, the people that the death or grief overwhelms, let us come together and support you.
Dear Citizens, Dear Residents, Dear Friends,
To each and every one of you, Princess Charlene and I express our best wishes for the year 2018. May it be serene and fruitful for you and your loved ones.
And may we continue together to forge a path looking ahead to find a new way in this complex world.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy New Year (in Monégasque)
Back to Christmas 2017 - Main Page
Monday, 1 January 2018
January Q&A (2018)
As always, post your Royal Questions & I will get to them as soon as possible.
Please post your Cambridge Royal Baby 3 question on our Special Q&A Page.
Question 1: Have you ever seen anyone get a reply from Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands?
Answer: I have seen the odd reply from Princess Beatrix over the years, but I have never gotten a reply from her. Not that I've sent too many letters to her since I started.
Question 2: What is customary, to write for the birth of the child or for his/her christening? Or both?
Answer: Writing for both is fine. The Birth & Christening are two separate events usually months apart.
I more commonly write for the Birth. I usually only write for the christening if it's someone I follow particularly closely.
Question 3: I accidentally forgot to send out Duchess Sarah's Christmas card with the rest and only got around to posting it a few days before Christmas. I live in Europe so it probably got there after the holidays. Do you think I'll still get a reply?
Answer: Yes, you should still get a reply. A few days before Christmas is fine. A few days after Christmas is fine as well. It may just take longer for you to get a reply.
Also, there is always a chance if you write too late that they've run out of the nice Christmas cards and you get a different reply.
Writing to late could also mean the difference between a more personal reply and a generic one. But at Christmas with all the mail, all the replies tend to be pretty generic. And Sarah doesn't tend to send out all that personal of a reply anyway.
But don't worry. I realized I accidentally forgot to send my letter to Charles & Camilla, so it got out a bit late as well.
Question 4: What's the mailing address for Princess Michael of Kent? I can't seem to find it on your blog.
Answer: You can write to her at:
Kensington Palace
London W8 4PU
UNITED KINGDOM
We didn't have the Prince & Princess Michael of Kent listed on our page with Royal Addresses since (1) They aren't working royals, (2) Royal.UK doesn't give an official address to contact them, (3) nor does the Prince or Princess Michael of Kent's official website.
But since people keep asking for it, and they do occasionally reply to letters, I've added their address to the list. Just be aware as non-working Royals, they don't always send a reply to letters. I've written to them a few times over the years and have only ever gotten one reply.
Question 5: Do you use special paper or stationery when you write a letter to royals? And do you write your return address on the letter itself?
Answer: I have some nice paper that I bought. It's ivory colored, and has a little more weight than regular copy paper. But you don't need anything special paper. Then I use a template on my computer to create something like stationary.
I have my address across the top of my letters. You should definitely have your return address somewhere on your letter so they don't have to worry about keeping the letter and envelope together.
Question 6: Do you think they have mailed out all the Christmas and twins’ birthday replies from Monaco? I sent them a letter in early December and I still haven’t gotten a reply to either of them.
Answer: Don't worry, I'm sure they are still sending out replies. They got so much mail over the holidays it takes them a while to send out all the replies. A normal response time is 1-2 months. I've gotten plenty of Christmas Replies in February and even the occasional one in March.
Monaco tends to be pretty timely with replies, but since it's been less than 2 months I wouldn't start worrying.
Question 7: Are you going to write a birthday letter to The Duchess of Kent next month? Why have you never written to her? I have got a few nice responses from her office.
Answer: For the Queen's Cousins I usually only write to them if they have milestone birthday, or if there is some other big thing like an illness. The Duchess of Kent hasn't had a milestone birthday, since I started writing. So I never got around to sending her a letter. But I likely will this year as this is her 85th Birthday.
Please post your Cambridge Royal Baby 3 question on our Special Q&A Page.
Question 1: Have you ever seen anyone get a reply from Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands?
Answer: I have seen the odd reply from Princess Beatrix over the years, but I have never gotten a reply from her. Not that I've sent too many letters to her since I started.
Question 2: What is customary, to write for the birth of the child or for his/her christening? Or both?
Answer: Writing for both is fine. The Birth & Christening are two separate events usually months apart.
I more commonly write for the Birth. I usually only write for the christening if it's someone I follow particularly closely.
Question 3: I accidentally forgot to send out Duchess Sarah's Christmas card with the rest and only got around to posting it a few days before Christmas. I live in Europe so it probably got there after the holidays. Do you think I'll still get a reply?
Answer: Yes, you should still get a reply. A few days before Christmas is fine. A few days after Christmas is fine as well. It may just take longer for you to get a reply.
Also, there is always a chance if you write too late that they've run out of the nice Christmas cards and you get a different reply.
Writing to late could also mean the difference between a more personal reply and a generic one. But at Christmas with all the mail, all the replies tend to be pretty generic. And Sarah doesn't tend to send out all that personal of a reply anyway.
But don't worry. I realized I accidentally forgot to send my letter to Charles & Camilla, so it got out a bit late as well.
Question 4: What's the mailing address for Princess Michael of Kent? I can't seem to find it on your blog.
Answer: You can write to her at:
Kensington Palace
London W8 4PU
UNITED KINGDOM
We didn't have the Prince & Princess Michael of Kent listed on our page with Royal Addresses since (1) They aren't working royals, (2) Royal.UK doesn't give an official address to contact them, (3) nor does the Prince or Princess Michael of Kent's official website.
But since people keep asking for it, and they do occasionally reply to letters, I've added their address to the list. Just be aware as non-working Royals, they don't always send a reply to letters. I've written to them a few times over the years and have only ever gotten one reply.
Question 5: Do you use special paper or stationery when you write a letter to royals? And do you write your return address on the letter itself?
Answer: I have some nice paper that I bought. It's ivory colored, and has a little more weight than regular copy paper. But you don't need anything special paper. Then I use a template on my computer to create something like stationary.
I have my address across the top of my letters. You should definitely have your return address somewhere on your letter so they don't have to worry about keeping the letter and envelope together.
Question 6: Do you think they have mailed out all the Christmas and twins’ birthday replies from Monaco? I sent them a letter in early December and I still haven’t gotten a reply to either of them.
Answer: Don't worry, I'm sure they are still sending out replies. They got so much mail over the holidays it takes them a while to send out all the replies. A normal response time is 1-2 months. I've gotten plenty of Christmas Replies in February and even the occasional one in March.
Monaco tends to be pretty timely with replies, but since it's been less than 2 months I wouldn't start worrying.
Question 7: Are you going to write a birthday letter to The Duchess of Kent next month? Why have you never written to her? I have got a few nice responses from her office.
Answer: For the Queen's Cousins I usually only write to them if they have milestone birthday, or if there is some other big thing like an illness. The Duchess of Kent hasn't had a milestone birthday, since I started writing. So I never got around to sending her a letter. But I likely will this year as this is her 85th Birthday.
2017 Calendar
January
Royal Birthdays
5th Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg (96)
5th Juan Carlos I of Spain (79)
8th Prince Vincent of Denmark (6)
8th Princess Josephine of Denmark (6)
9th Duchess Catherine of Cambridge (35)
15th Princess Michael of Kent (72)
20th Queen Mathilde of Belgium (44)
20th Countess Sophie of Wessex (52)
21st Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (13)
25th Princess Charlene of Monaco (39)
30th King Felipe VI of Spain (49)
30th King Abdullah II of Jordan (55)
31st Princess Beatrix of Netherlands (79)
Royal Events
1st Denmark - New Year's Day Banquet
- at Christian VII's Palace, Amalienborg
- For Supreme Court judges, the Royal Guard and Regiments Officer Corps at Christian VII's Palace
- For Diplomatic Corp at Christiansborg Castle
- For the military, patronages, country leaders, etc. at Christiansborg Castle
14th Denmark - Queen Margrethe's 45th Anniversary of Accession
2nd Netherlands - King Willem-Alexander's 15th Wedding Anniversary to Queen Maxima
5th Bhutan - Prince Jigme Namgyel 1st Birthday
6th - Queen Elizabeth 65th Anniversary of Accession
(12th Mother's Day: Norway)
17th Spain - Infanta Cristina's Tax Fraud Verdict
20th UK - USA President Trump State Visit Debate in Parliament
21st Belgium - King Albert vs. Delphine Boël Paternity Hearing begins
February
Royal Birthdays
1st Princess Stéphanie of Monaco (52)
5th Crown Princess Mary of Denmark (45)
6th Princess Marie of Denmark (41)
12th Princess Astrid of Norway (85)
14th Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein (72)
18th Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg (33)
19th Prince Andrew, Duke of York (57)
20th Princess Leonore of Sweden (3)
21st King Harald V of Norway (80)
22nd Duchess of Kent (84)
23rd Princess Estelle of Sweden (5)
Royal Events
5th Bhutan - Prince Jigme Namgyel 1st Birthday
6th - Queen Elizabeth 65th Anniversary of Accession
(12th Mother's Day: Norway)
17th Spain - Infanta Cristina's Tax Fraud Verdict
20th UK - USA President Trump State Visit Debate in Parliament
21st Belgium - King Albert vs. Delphine Boël Paternity Hearing begins
March
Royal Birthdays
1st Timothy Laurence (62)
2nd Prince Oscar of Sweden (1)
10th Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (53)
14th Prince Albert II of Monaco (59)
22nd Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg (61)
23rd Princess Eugenie of York (27)
Royal Events
9th UK - Service of Dedication of the Afghanistan Memorial at Horse Guard Parade
13th Commonwealth Day
- service at Westminster Abbey
17th -18th Cambridges visit to France
(19th Father's Day: Liechtenstein, Spain)
(26th Mother's Day: UK)
29th - April 6th - Charles & Camilla's Tour of Europe
30th UK - 15th Anniversary of Queen Mum's Passing
30th Liechtenstein - State Opening of Parliament
29th - April 6th - Charles & Camilla's Tour of Europe
30th UK - 15th Anniversary of Queen Mum's Passing
30th Liechtenstein - State Opening of Parliament
April
Royal Birthdays
10th Princess Ariane of the Netherlands (10)
14th Princess Marie of Liechtenstein (77)
15th King Philippe of Belgium (57)
16th Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (77)
16th Princess Eléonore of Belgium (9)
16th Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg (62)
19th Prince Alexander of Sweden (1)
21st Queen Elizabeth II (91)
16th Princess Eléonore of Belgium (9)
16th Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg (62)
19th Prince Alexander of Sweden (1)
21st Queen Elizabeth II (91)
21st Princess Isabella of Denmark (10)
27th King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (50)
27th King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (50)
29th Infanta Sofía of Spain (10)
29th Princess Benedikte of Denmark (73)
29th Princess Benedikte of Denmark (73)
30th King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden (71)
Royal Events
March 29th - 6th - Charles & Camilla's Tour of Europe
7th Sweden - Stockholm Attack
7th Sweden - Stockholm Attack
13th UK - Royal Maundy Service at Leicester Cathedral
16th Easter
23rd London Marathon
27th Netherlands - Koningsdag (King's Day)/ 50th Birthday
May
Royal Birthdays
2nd Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (2)
13th Prince Carl Philip of Sweden (38)
15th Zara Tindall (36)
17th Queen Máxima of the Netherlands (46)
26th Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark (49)
31st Prince Joseph of Liechtenstein (22)
Royal Events
Mother's Day (7th - Spain) (14th - Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Netherlands) (28th - Monaco, Sweden)
4th UK - Prince Phillip announces he will retire in August
9th-10th Norway - King and Queen's 80th Birthday Celebrations
13th UK - "Party at the Palace" Children's Tea Party
14th Spain - King Juan Carlos's 55th Wedding Anniversary to Queen Sofia
16th UK - Buckingham Palace Garden Party
4th UK - Prince Phillip announces he will retire in August
9th-10th Norway - King and Queen's 80th Birthday Celebrations
13th UK - "Party at the Palace" Children's Tea Party
14th Spain - King Juan Carlos's 55th Wedding Anniversary to Queen Sofia
16th UK - Buckingham Palace Garden Party
17th Norway - National Day
22nd UK - Manchester Attack
23rd UK - Buckingham Palace Garden Party
23rd-27th UK - RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- 22nd - Preview Day
June
Royal Birthdays
5th Princess Astrid of Belgium (55)
6th King Albert II of Belgium (83)
7th Prince Joachim of Denmark (48)
10th Princess Madeleine of Sweden (35)
10th Prince Philip (96)
11th Prince Henrik of Denmark (83)
11th Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein (49)
15th Prince Nicolas of Sweden (2)
20th Duchess of Gloucester (71)
21st Prince William (35)
21st Prince William (35)
26th Princess Alexia of the Netherlands (12)
27th Christopher O'Neill of Sweden (43)
28th Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan (23)
Royal Events
Father's Day (5th - Denmark) (11th - Belgium) (18th - Monaco, Netherlands, UK) (21st - Jordan)
1st UK - Buckingham Palace Garden Party
6th Sweden - National Day
8th UK - General Election
10th Denmark - Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik's 50th Wedding Anniversary
17th UK - Trooping the Colour
20th - 24th UK - Royal Ascot
21st UK - State Opening of Parliament
23rd Luxembourg - National Day
29th - July 1st - Charles and Camilla's Tour of Canada
July
Royal Birthdays
4th Prince Michael of Kent (75)
4th Queen Sonja of Norway (80)
14th Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (40)
17th Duchess Camilla of Cornwall (70)
20th Crown Prince Haakon of Norway (44)
20th Crown Prince Haakon of Norway (44)
22nd Prince George of Cambridge (4)
Royal Events
(1st: Canada's 150th anniversary)
(1st: Re-dedication of Princess Diana's Grave)
June 29th - 1st - Charles and Camilla's Tour of Canada
3rd-16th - Wimbledon
8th - Duke & Duchess of Gloucester 45th Wedding Anniversary
(11th Mother's Day: Luxembourg)
12th - 14th - Spain State Visit to UK
14th Sweden - Victoriadagen
17th - 21st - Cambridges visit to Poland and Germany
21st Belgium - National Day
August
Royal Birthdays
8th Princess Beatrice of York (29)
15th Princess Anne, the Princess Royal (67)
19th Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway (44)
20th Prince Gabriel of Belgium (14)
26th Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (73)
31st Queen Rania of Jordan (47)
Royal Events
2nd - Prince Philip's final engagement before retirement
15th Liechtenstein - National Day
28th Denmark - Prince Nicolai's 18th Birthday
31st - 20th Anniversary of Princess Diana's death
31st Sweden - Prince Gabriel of Sweden is born
September
Royal Birthdays
11th Queen Paola of Belgium (80)
15th Prince Harry (33)
15th Prince Daniel of Sweden (44)
15th Queen Letitia of Spain (45)
22nd Princess Märtha Louise of Norway (46)
Royal Events
1st Monaco - Annual Monaco Picnic at Princess Antoinette Park
2nd UK - Breamear Games in Scotland
3rd Japan - Princess Mako of Japan official engagement announcement
4th Sweden - Cabinet Meeting & Te Deum for New Swedish Prince
5th UK - Verdict for Duchess Kate's 2012 France Topless Photos Trial
6th Denmark - Prince Henrik's Dementia diagnosis is announced
7th UK - Prince George 1st Day of School
12th Sweden - State Opening of Parliament
19th Netherlands - Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day)/ State Opening of Parliament
23rd-30th - Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada
October
Royal Birthdays
4th Prince Emmanuel of Belgium (12)
9th Duke of Kent (82)
15th Prince Christian of Denmark (12)
15th Sarah, Duchess of York (58)
19th Prince Laurent of Belgium (54)
25th Princess Elisabeth of Belgium (16)
28th Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein (50)
31st Princess Leonor of Spain (12)
Royal Events
(1st Father's Day: Luxembourg)
1st Spain - Catalonia illegal independence referendum
4th Denmark - State Opening of Parliament
9th Norway - State Opening of Parliament
12th Spain - Fiesta Nacional de España (National Day of Spain)
20th Luxembourg - Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume & Duchess Stephanie's 5th Wedding Anniversary
25th-29th Thailand - King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's cremation ceremonies
25th - 26th - Prince Harry's Tour of Denmark
November
Royal Birthdays
2nd Queen Sofia of Spain (79)
8th Lady Louise (Windsor) (14)
11th Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg (36)
14th Prince Charles (69)
15th Peter Phillips (40)
Royal Events
11th - Remembrance Day & Festival of Remembrance
(12th Father's Day: Norway, Sweden)
12th - Remembrance Sunday
12th Jordan - State Opening of Parliament
15th Belgium - Koningsfeest (King's Feast)
19th Monaco - National Day
20th UK - Queen Elizabeth's & Philip's 70th Wedding anniversary
24th UK - Royal Variety Performance
29th - 30th - Prince William's Tour of Finland
December
Royal Birthdays
3rd 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)
17th James, Viscount Severn (10)
23rd Queen Silvia of Sweden (74)
25th Princess Alexandra of Kent (81)
Royal Events
1st Sweden - Prince Gabriel's Christening
1st UK - Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's 1st Joint Offical Engagements
5th Romania - Passing of King Michael of Romania
10th Norway - Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony and Banquet
10th Sweden - Nobel Prize Ceremony and Banquet
11th Norway - Nobel Peace Prize Concert
11th Sweden - Royal Banquet for the Nobel Laureates at Palace
12th UK - Princess Anne's 25th Wedding Anniversary to Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence
16th Romania - King Michael's Funeral
11th Sweden - Royal Banquet for the Nobel Laureates at Palace
12th UK - Princess Anne's 25th Wedding Anniversary to Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence
16th Romania - King Michael's Funeral
17th Bhutan - National Day of Bhutan
21st Spain - Catalan regional election
24th Christmas Eve
25th Christmas Day
- Queen Elizabeth - Speech
- King Carl Gustaf of Sweden - Speech
- King Willem-Alexander of Netherlands - Speech
31st New Years Eve
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