The envelope is pretty typical of the British Royals. One interesting thing is that Sarah is using the Royal's PPI (Printed Postage Impressions) number, W7047. The PPI number is a way of pre-printing the postage on the envelope (see the red box on the envelope). Each account has a unique number, the Royal's is W7047. The Royal Mail then uses that number to charge the correct account. Since 2001, the Sovereign Grant has paid for the Royal's postage. Previously, the service was provided for free by the Royal Mail.
I've noticed that whenever Sarah uses her own envelope with her monogram she uses her own PPI number, HQ6515. But when she uses one of Andrew's envelopes, she uses the Royal's PPI number. I don't know if she is repaying the Royal Household for the postage, or envelopes.
You might also notice the lack of EIIR Postmark or the red circle with "Buckingham Palace/Windsor Castle" and the date, that we usually see on British replies. You only get that postmark if the envelope is processed through one of the Court Post Offices, which this was not.
The back of the envelope features Princess Eugenie & Jack Brooksbank's joint monogram. These envelopes were printed specially for the couple's wedding reply.
In my birthday letter to Sarah, I had also mentioned her daughter's upcoming wedding, so in the envelope was two replies.
The first reply is for Duchess Sarah's birthday and features a home-made card. The card is a thick piece of cardstock, with an attached purple ribbon. The card has a lovely photo of a flower that has been glued onto the front.
Sarah used a lot of different photos and color ribbons for her birthday reply. While there were a number of repeats, I think people getting different photos makes it extra special.
I'm pretty sure Sarah took all the photos. She is a very avid photographer and even released a charity photobook years ago. This photo looks to be one Sarah posted on Instagram over Easter.
The back of the card feathers a typed message that has been glued onto the card. The signature is printed on. I like that Sarah used blue ink for the signature. It makes it look real, even though it isn't. The date on the card is Sarah's birthday.
The card reads:
Thank you so much for your birthday greetings. It was most kind of you to remember my birthday. I take great pleasure in sending you my best wishes.
Sarah
15 October 2018With the birthday reply, I also received a reply thanking me for words about Eugenie's wedding. The card is the same as Princess Eugenie's wedding reply, except that this has a blank inside, that Sarah glued a message into.
This was a version of Princess Eugenie & Jack Brooksbank's wedding reply with a blank inside, featuring only the couple's monogram. This version of the card would have been used to send personal replies to family and friends.
Sarah took the blank card and personalized it with a typed message, that was glued to the card.
The message reads:
Thank you so much for your congratulation to us and warm wishes for the future happiness of Eugenie and Jack.
Their wedding was the most fabulous day. Eugenie looked so beautiful and Jack so handsome; the wedding service was a wonderful celebration of their love. We are so happy to welcome Jack into our family, he is the most marvellous person and enriches Eugenie's life. They are such a devoted couple.
Thank you for your kindness and loyalty over the years.
SarahThe signature is printed on here as well.
It is interesting to see Sarah use that monogram at the top of her card. While it is quite lovely, it's actually the logo that was created for Sarah's Duchess Blend Tea. (Sarah's actual monogram features an 'S' under a crown.) So, it's interesting that Sarah would choose to make a nod towards her Business products with this card.
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