I received this reply last month from the UK. I hadn't posted it earlier as I just moved and things have been chaotic. (I do have a number of Christmas Replies to post, including one I just got today!).
I had written to Prince Philip in February to wish him a speedy recovery as he had been hospitalized. This is the last reply I received from him.
It is funny to look back at what I wrote 2 months ago. We had been told at the time I wrote my letter that his hospitalization was just a precaution and that Philip would only be there "for a few days of observation and rest." I did not expect this would be the last letter I ever wrote to him. I have included the text of my letter below.
"Dear Your Royal Highness,
I was very sorry to hear that you have been hospitalized. But I was glad to hear that it is just a precautionary measure and that you are in good spirits. I hope that you are doing well and that things are not too serious. You are in my continued thoughts and prayers.
I also wanted to extend my deepest congratulation on the birth of your newest great-grandchild. I thought it was wonderful that Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank choose to honor you, by giving their son the middle name Phillip. It was very touching.
While this hospitalization is not the best way to start 2021, I am sure you will have a good year with 2 more great-grandchildren on the way and yours and Her Majesty’s milestone birthday celebrations."
The envelope is the usual from the British Royals and features the postmark from the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace. The yellow sticker at the bottom is because the letter had to get forwarded to my new address.
The back of the envelope feature's Prince Philip's badge. The center of the badge is Edinburgh Castle, chosen as a nod to Prince Philip's title, The Duke of Edinburgh. The belt surrounding that is the Order of Garter Belt, with the Orders' motto, Honi soit qui mal y pense (Middle French for Shame on him who thinks evil of it). The badge is topped with the Coronet of the Child of the Sovereign. (Philip started using this coronet when he married Elizabeth and was the son-in-law of the Sovereign. As there is no special coronet for the spouse of a Queen, he kept this. ) All of these elements are also features on Prince Philip's Coat of Arms.
Inside is a letter from Suzy Lethbridge, who has been handing pretty much all of Prince Philip's mail since his retirement. The message is pretty similar to the 2018 reply I received following Prince Philip's surgery and hospital stay. The letter featured at the top is again Prince Philip's badge.
Buckingham Palace
March, 2021
Dear Miss Daly,
The Duke of Edinburgh has asked me to write and thank you for your kind message of good wishes.
Your thoughtfulness in writing is much appreciated.
Yours Sincerely,
Suzy LethbridgeCorrespondence SecretaryThe Duke of Edinburgh's Office
