You can find a lot of basic info on writing to the Royals under our "How To" tab. This will just cover some specifics about writing for the couple's engagement.
When to write?
Don't worry if you don't get your letter out right away. Two weeks or so after the engagement is a very acceptable time frame to send your congratulations. (& honestly, given how much mail they are going to receive, a slightly latter reply is fine as well.)
So, take your time. I am sure that we will be getting to know the couple a lot better in the next few days.
How to address the couple?
There are a lot of different ways you can address the couple in your letter, depending on if you want to be more formal and correct or more informal and every day. As long as you are being respectful and thoughtful, it is hard to go wrong. But some options are:
Envelope
- HRH Princess Beatrice & Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
- HRH Princess Beatrice of York & Mr. Mapelli Mozzi
- Beatrice & Edoardo
- Etc.
- Your Royal Highness & Mr. Mapelli Mozzi
- Beatrice & Edoardo
- Etc.
Where to send your letter/card to?
Letter to the couple should be sent to Prince Andrew's office at Buckingham Palace.
Duke of York's Office
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA
UNITED KINGDOM
What to write?
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.
You can send them a card or letter with a short, simple acknowledgment. Or you can gush about your feelings about the engagement and how amazing the couple is. (But do keep your letter to 1-page max!)
Can I send a Gift?
The Royals prefer that well-wishers make a donation to charity in lieu of sending a gift. Beatrice & Edoardo have not announced any specific charities they would like donations to be sent to. So feel free to donate to any cause that is meaningful to you. If you can't think of one, I would suggest donating to one of Princess Beatrice's Patronages, or some similar local cause.
And yes, it is perfectly fine to mention in your letter/card that you made a donation on their behalf to charity. They would love to hear about it.
What to expect?
Expect a much longer response time than usual! (I would expect at least 2-4 month, but it could even take as long as 6 months. And as always, they reply to letters as they get to them. So, just because someone got a reply, doesn't mean you will get yours in the next few days or weeks. It takes months to get through all the mail for a major event like this.)
The couple will likely reply with a card, similar to Princess Eugenie's engagement reply.
