The envelope is usual for Sarah's Christmas replies. You will notice there is no EIIR or Circle postmark with the date. This is because her mail isn't processed through the Court Post Office at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
I have always found it interesting that Duchess Sarah uses the Royal's Printed Postage Impressions (PPI) number, W4047. But, it is extra interesting now, post-Andrew stepping down, that she still uses it. The Sovereign Grant (i.e. Tax payer funds) pays for the Royal's postage. (Before 2001, it was provided for free by the Royal Mail.)
So, it's interesting that even though Sarah is not a Royal any more and her ex-husband has stepped down from official duties, her postage is still be charged to the royal's account. (Years ago she did have her own PPI number that she used, but I haven't gotten a reply with that since 2017.)
The back of the envelope features Prince Andrew's badge. The reply Duchess Sarah send out for Christmas is actually the York Family's personal Christmas card that they send to family, friends, etc. Sarah then takes any leftovers and uses them as replies to well-wishers. That is why the envelope & card feature Prince Andrew's badge.
The York's change up their Christmas card every year, with different sizes and some changes in the style. This year's card is the tallest card out of the 4 years I've received this as a reply from Sarah. It also has the thickest cardstock and the glossiest finish. So, it is the nicest of the 4 in terms of paper quality. Although this is a bi-fold card, not a tri-fold card.
The York's Christmas cards often have a touch of humor to them. And although this year's card gives a somber appearance, there are touches of humor.
The front of the card features Prince Andrew's badge, along with a photo of a country road heading off into the mountains. It is unclear where these photos were taken, but it seems likely this is at Balmoral, in Scotland. There is a simple message, "We look to the Road Ahead." 2019 obviously ended in a bit of a mess for the York Family as the Epstein scandal finally forced Prince Andrew to step down from official duties. The roads are a metaphor for moving on and past the scandal that blew up last year.
The inside left side of the card features more photos of country roads.
The inside Right of the card features a message from the family.
We are united with gratitude for your support and kindness. Thank you.
The signatures are printed on and are the same ones used in past years. I think it is interesting that Edo's name doesn't appear on the card. But, I guess since he isn't married into the family yet, his name isn't included.
Andrew, Sarah, Beatrice, Eugenie and Jack.
The bottom of the pannel features a deer and a thistle (One during winter when it isn't bloomed.) The deer is possibly a reference to the Family's home the Royal Lodge. The Royal Lodge is built on the Windsor Great Park which was originally created as and still is a deer park. Or a reference to Balmoral which has a large herd of red deer.
The thistle appears on Duchess Sarah's coat of arms & is the national flower of Scotland.
What is most interesting about this panel, is Prince Andrew's badge. If you examine it closely and compare it with the other badges, you will see that it has actually been altered. Normally, Prince Andrew's badge features the Coronet of the son of the sovereign, with the York Rose surrounded by the Order of Garter Belt with its motto. Prince Andrew has been a member of the Order of Garter, the UK's highest honor, since 2006.
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| Back of Envelope (Also featured on front of card) |
For the inside of the card, the Yorks have altered the Order of Garter belt and removed its motto. The motto is in Middle French, "Honi soit qui mal y pense." This translates to "Shame on him who thinks this evil." Instead, the York Family has replaced the motto of The UK's highest honor with the phrase, "Royal York Rose Familyhood."
I understand that they wanted to do something cute. But, I am not sure it is all that appropriate to keep the belt, but change the motto. It seems like an insult towards the order and what it stands for. I think it would have been more appropriate to remove the belt and if they wanted to put the phrase in a new circle. (There is no reason that Coronet, the rose, and belt need to be kept together. They all symbolize separate things.)
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| Inside Card |
The back of the card features a photo of the butt of one of the York Family dogs, along with the words, Say Goodbye to 2019. It's supposed to be funny. But, it seems to me they are laughing at 2019 (& the alligations) as they turn their back on it and walk away.
Obviously, this year's card would have been very difficult to design. But, I think it would have been better to highlight the good things that happened this year like Beatrice's Engagement, The York Princesses charity work, etc. instead of laughing off the scandal by saying goodbye to 2019.
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