The Wales Family - Christmas Reply (2023)

This lovely reply arrived from the UK recently. I had written to The Wales Family last year to wish them a Merry Christmas. 

The card is the usual from the couple. The front features a photo of the family that was used for their official Christmas Card. The photo was taken by Josh Skinner. 

The back of the card is the usual of the sort, with a typed message for the couple. The message varies slightly each year. 

The card says: 

Thank you for your thoughtful Christmas message to The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, & Prince Louis.  

Their Royal Highnesses are very grateful and send you their best wishes for a very Happy New Year. 

More Replies from the Wales Family

King Charles of UK - Christmas Reply (2023)

I received this reply from the UK a little while ago. I had written to King Charles for Christmas. Normally I write to couple's together, but since Charles, and Camilla have a practice of sending out separate replies I wrote to them separately. You can find Camilla's reply here. 

The reply was a folded card. The front of the card features King Charles's Cypher embossed in gold. The back of the card features a photo credit for the inside photo. The photo is credited to the Press Association, and was taken by Jane Barlow. 

Inside is a photo and message. The photo is from August 2023, when King Charles III inspected the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, at the gates of Balmoral Castle. 

The message says: 

I am touched to received your kind and thoughtful Christmas message. I hope that you too had a very happy and peaceful Christmas and I send you a special thanks for your wonderfully kind support during what has been quite a memorable year! 

This card brings you my warmest good wishes for the new year.  

Charles R

More Replies from King Charles

Princess Leonor of Spain - 18th Birthday Reply (2023)

I received this reply last year from Spain. I had written to Princess Leonor to wish her a happy 18th Birthday. 

The letter is similar to past letters, I have received from the Spain Royals. The letter is written by Bernado de Lizaur Cuesta, Head of Protocol. The letter does not specifically refer to Princess Leonor's 18th Birthday, but does refer to her oath of allegiance which she made on her 18th Birthday. 

Palace of Zarzuela

October 18th, 2023

Ms. Gertrude Alexandra Daly

(My Address)

The Head of Protocol of H.M. The King,

I am pleased to fulfill the task of His Majesty The King, and I send you, on his behalf,  his most sincere gratitude for the king message of congratulations that you have sent to you on the occasion of the oath of allegiance of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Asturias.  

I would would like to take this opportunity to send you a cordial greeting,  

Bernardo Francisco de Lizaur Cuesta 

More Replies from Spain Royal Family

King Juan Carlos of Spain - 85th Birthday (2023)

I received this reply last year from Spain for King Juan Carlos's 85th Birthday. 

The letter is by Bernardo de Lizaur, the current Head of Protocol. The only other birthday reply I have from King Juan Carlos is from his 80th Birthday. This letter has a almost identical message, but was written by then Secretary-General.

The letter says:

Palace of Zarzuela

March 1st, 2023

Ms. Gertrude Alexandra Daly

(My Address)

The Head of Protocol of H.M. The King

His Majesty The King Juan Carlos has asked me, in his name, to send his sincere thanks, together with his affectionate greetings,  for the warm wishes that, on the occasion of his Birthday, you have been kind enough to send.

Upon fulfilling this request, I send a cordial greeting,

Bernardo de Lizaur

More replies from King Juan Carlos & Queen Sofia

Condolence Reply following Death of Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein (2023)

Prince Constantin of Liechtenstein passed away in December 2023. I had written to Prince Constantin's father, Prince Hans-Adam to express my condolence to him & Prince Constantin's family. And I had also mentioned my condolence for Prince Constantin in my Christmas card to Hereditary Prince Alois. I received a reply from both of them. 

The envelopes for both replies was the same and features black mourning edge. 

The back features a crown above "Vaduz"  the name of the Luxembourg's castle. 

The two cards are identical, except for signatures. They features a embossed coat of arms along with a typed message. 

I've compared the signatures with past replies I have gotten from them and the signatures are not identical which makes it seem like they are real. But we do know they use Auto pens. 

The card says "With many thanks for your kind sympathy." 

This first card is signed by Prince Hans-Adam and is signed "Hans-Adam Liechtenstein." Prince Hans-Adam is the late Prince Constantin's father. 

This card is signed by Hereditary Prince Alois, Prince Constantin's older brother. It is signed "AL" for Alois Liechtenstein.

More replies from the Liechtenstein Royals

Queen Margrethe of Denmark - Christmas Reply (2023)

I received this reply recently from Denmark. I had written to Queen Margrethe in December for Christmas. 

The front of the envelope is the usual from the Queen Margrethe

The back is also the usual with a Crown. What is very interesting is the green lining on the inside. I have only seen a tissue lining from Queen Margrethe once before. That lining was also green, but a lighter shade. 

Inside is a flat card. This is the usual we have seen from Queen Margrethe for Christmas in recent years. 

The card says: 

February 2024

Christian IV's Palace

Amalienborg

1257 Copenhagen K

 

Dear Gertrude Daly, 

Her Majesty Queen Margrethe has asked me to thank You for Your kind Christmas and New Year's greetings. 

Sincerely yours, 

Aide-de-camp 

 

More replies from Queen Margrethe 

Queen Silvia of Sweden - 80th Birthday Reply (2023)

I received this reply from Sweden recently. I had written to Queen Silvia of Sweden in December for her 80th Birthday. 

The front of the card features Queen Silvia's Monogram, which is two "S" for Silvia under a crown. 

Inside is a photo of Queen Silvia from the King & Queen's visit to Vastra Gotaland County in June 2023 as part of King Carl Gustaf's Golden Jubilee Celebrations.  The right side had a typed message along with a printed on signature. 

The card says: 

For all the care and generosity shown to me In connection with my birthday, I want to express my warmest wishes.

Silvia 

More Replies from the Swedish Royals

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain - Christmas Reply (2023)

I received this reply this week from Spain. I had written to King Felipe and Queen Letizia for Christmas. 

The Spain's reply was their usual Christmas Card. This card is pretty identical to past years' replies, except for the change in photo & message. 

 The front of the card features the King's Coat of Arms in Red. 

The back of the Card features King Felipe & Queen Letizia's Joint Monogram in red. 

Inside is a photo of the Spain Royal family. The photo was taken after Princess Leonor's 18th Birthday Celebrations.

L-R: King Felipe, Princess Sofia, Princess Leonor, Queen Letizia

The right side is the usual typed message written in Spanish and English. There is also a copy of a handwritten message and the Royal's signatures. Each year, there are 4 version of each Spain Royals's Christmas Card. Each has a handwritten message by a different royal. The English Version is usually always from Queen Letizia. 

The card says: 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024

With our deep gratitude and sincere affection

Felipe R

Letizia R

Leonor, Princess of Asturias 

Sofia, Infanta of Spain

More Replies from King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain

King Juan Carlos & Queen Sofia - Replies Main Page

Christmas

• 2021-2022 - Did not receive a reply
• 2020
• 2019 - Did not receive a reply
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016

Birthdays

• King Juan Carlos
• 2023 - 85th Birthday
• 2018 - 80th Birthday
• Queen Sofia
• 2017

Other 

• King Juan Carlos's surgery  (2019)
• Condolence on death of King Constantine (2023)

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor & Princess Sofia of Spain - Replies Main Page

King Felipe's Coat of Arms

Christmas Replies 

• 2023
• 2022
• 2021 - Did not receive a reply
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016 - Did not receive a reply
• 2015 - Did not receive a reply

Birthdays

• King Felipe
• 50th Birthday (2018)
• 55th Birthday (2023)
• Queen Letizia
• Have not received any replies
• Princess Leonor
• 18th Birthday (2023)
• Princess Sofia
• Have not received any replies

Other 

• Death of Infanta Pilar (2020)
• Death of King Constantine (2023)

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Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie of Luxembourg - Christmas Reply (2023)

I received this reply recently from Luxembourg. I had written to Prince Guillaume and Princess Stephanie of Luxembourg to wish them a Merry Christmas. 

The envelope was the usual. 

Inside is a handmade Christmas card made by the Foundations Autisme Luxembourg, which Grand Duchess Maria Teresa is patron of. The card is from a set sold by the charity. The couple have been using cards from this charity for a few years now. 

The front features a lovely tree design along with the message "Merry Christmas" in Luxembourgish.

The card is made of heavy cardstock and the design on the front is layered, so the card has a nice weight and texture. 

The inside of the card is blank, but includes two inserts. 

The first insert is the usual sort of flat card. 

The card says: 

Their Royal Highnesses the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Hereditary Grand Duchess wish to thank you for your kind greetings and send you their best wishes for the New Year. 

Luxembourg, December 2023

Included with the flat card is a photo of the couple's children, Prince Francois (Left) & Prince Charles (Right).

 More replies from the Luxembourg Royals

Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco - Birthday Reply (2023)

I received this reply this week from Monaco. I had written to Prince Albert & Princess Charlene to wish their twins a Happy Birthday. I received 2 identical replies a few days apart. 

The replies were a flat card with French on the one side and English on the other.  The card features the twins monograms "J" for Jacques and "G" for Gabriella. In the center is the Monaco Coat of Arms. You can't tell from the photo, but the monograms and coat of arms are embossed in gold. 

The card says: 

T.T.S.S.H.H. (Their Serene Highness) Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene thank you warmly for the kindness you have shown towards Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella on the occasion of Their ninth birthday. 

More replies from Prince Albert, Princess Charlene & the Twins

Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco - Birthday Reply (2020)

I received this reply a few years ago. I had written to Prince Albert & Princess Charlene to wish their twins a Happy Birthday. 

One thing that was interesting is this was sent to my old address. We know that the Palace keeps a database of information on people who write to them. So, they must have pulled my old address from that database. 

The reply was a flat card with French on the one side and English on the other.  The card features the twins monograms "J" for Jacques and "G" for Gabriella. In the center is the Monaco Coat of Arms. You can't tell from the photo, but the monograms and coat of arms are embossed in gold. 

The card says: 

Their Serene Highness Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene thank you warmly for the kindness you have shown towards Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella on the occasion of Their sixth birthday. 

More replies from Prince Albert, Princess Charlene & the Twins

King Albert & Queen Paola of Belgium - Christmas Reply (2023)

I received this reply this week from Belgium. I had written to King Albert and Queen Paola in December to wish them a Merry Christmas. 

The envelope they used is #3d.

Their reply is a flat card with a typed message and printed on signatures. The card's message written in French, Dutch, German and English

Belvédère at the top is the name of their residence. 

The card says: 

Best Wishes of the Year 2024 

Albert 

Paola

One things that is interesting is the decoration on the card have a watermark from iStock.  

More replies from King Albert & Queen Paola

Queen Camilla of UK - Christmas Reply (2023)

I received this reply today from the UK. In the past, I have always written to King Charles & Queen Camilla together for Christmas. As I think it makes sense to write to couples, not each individually. But since Charles & Camilla often have their own reply, I wrote to them separately for Christmas last year. 

The envelope was an oversize blank envelope. But features the usual postmark from the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace. 

The inside is the usual large photo card from Queen Camilla. The front of the card features a photo of Camilla at the launches the "Coronation Libraries" Initiative at Shirehampton Primary School, on May 18, 2023. The photo was taken by Chris Jackson. 

The book Queen Camilla is holding is "Horrible Henry" written by Francesca Simon and illustrated by Tony Ross. Simon was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to literature.

The back of the card features Queen Camilla's Cypher, a "C" for Camilla long with a "R" for Regina (Queen in Latin). The signature is auto-penned and is identical to the signature on the reply I received for Camilla's birthday in 2023. 

The card says: 

Thank you very much for your Christmas message. 

This comes with my warmest wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. 

Camilla R

I would assume this card was designed before King Charles's health issues. 

More replies from King Charles & Queen Camilla

Prince Albert & Princess Charlene of Monaco - Christmas Reply (2023)

I received this reply a little while ago from Monaco. I had written to Prince Albert and Princess Charlene in December to wish them a Merry Christmas. 

The front of the card features the couple's joint monogram (A for Albert, C for Charlene). The photo was taken by Eric Mathon at the Monaco Royal Palace in the same room as Prince Albert's New Years Addresses. The snowflake boarder matches their past replies since 2021.

Inside the card is the usual tri-lingual message in French, English and Monégasque. The signatures are printed on and the same they have used for past years. 

The card says:

May this holiday season bring all the happiness for you and your loved ones. 

Merry Christmas and happy New Year 2024

Albert de Monaco 

Charlene de Monaco

This year marks the 10th year I had written to the Monaco Royals for Christmas. I received a reply every year except for 2022. 

 

More replies from Prince Albert & Princess Charlene of Monaco

Prince Albert & Princess Charlene of Monaco - Replies Main Page

Christmas Replies 2014-2023 (Missing 2022, as I didn't receive a reply)

 

Christmas Replies 

(The year listed is the year of that Christmas, not the date on the card). 

• 2023
• 2022 - Did not receive a reply 
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014

Birthday Replies 

Prince Albert

• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015

Princess Charlene

• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015

Crown Prince Jacques & Princess Gabriella

• 2023
• 2020
• 2019
• 2017
• 2016 (need to write blogpost)
• 2015
• 2014 - Birth

Other

• 15th Anniversary of Accession (2020)
• Death of Elizabeth-Ann de Massy (2020)
• 5th Wedding Anniversary (2016)
• 10th Anniversary of Accession (2015)

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Princess Stephanie of Monaco - Replies Main Page

I have written to Princess Stephanie of Monaco a number of times over the years, but have only received replies for Christmas, and not every year. 

Christmas 

• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019

Back to Replies - Main Page

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde of Beligum - Christmas Reply (2023)

 I received this reply earlier this month from Belgium after I had written to King Philippe & Queen Mathilde for Christmas.

The envelope was the usual from the couple for Christmas. It matches the card, and is listed here #2B. 

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde create a similar card each year.  The front of the card features King Philippe & Queen Mathilde's joint Monogram. The F & P stand for the different spellings of King Philippe's name in the 3 official languages of Belgium:

• French: Philippe
• Dutch: Filip
• German: Philippe

The inside left side of the card has a message. The message is in Belgium's 3 official languages (Dutch, French, German) plus English.  The signatures are printed on and the same as recent years. The 4 children's names are arranged in order of age. The date reflects the new year. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Philippe Mathilde

Elisabeth Gabriel Emmanuel Eleonore

2024

The right side shows a photo of the family. The photo was taken by Bas Bogaerts.

L-R: Princess Eleonore, Prince Gabriel, Queen Mathilde, King Philippe, Princess Elisabeth, Prince Emmanuel

The back of the card is blank except for a photo credit. 

More replies from Belgium

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde of Beligum - Christmas Reply (2022)

 I received this reply a year ago from Belgium after I had written to them for Christmas 2022. 

The envelope was the usual from the couple for Christmas. It matches the card, and is listed here #2B. 

King Philippe & Queen Mathilde create a similar card each year.  The front of the card features King Philippe & Queen Mathilde's joint Monogram. The F & P stand for the different spellings of King Philippe's name in the 3 official languages of Belgium:

• French: Philippe
• Dutch: Filip
• German: Philippe

The inside left side of the card has a message. The message is in Belgium's 3 official languages (Dutch, French, German) plus English.  The signatures are printed on and the same as recent years. The 4 children's names are arranged in order of age. The date reflects the new year. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Philippe Mathilde

Elisabeth Gabriel Emmanuel Eleonore

2023

The right side shows a photo of the family along with their two dogs. The photo was taken by Bas Bogaerts.

(2nd row L-R: Gabriel, Elisabeth, Emmanuel, Eleonore; 

1st row L-R: Queen Mathilde, King Philippe; 

Floor L-R: Jeep, Simba).

The back of the card is blank except for a photo credit. 

More replies from Belgium

Queen Sofia of Spain - Birthday Reply (2023)

This reply arrived this week from Spain. I had written to Queen Sofia of Spain for her birthday in November.  I have written to Queen Sofia a number of times for her birthday, but this is only the 2nd time I have received a reply. 

The envelope is the usual form the Spain royals. The letter is the typical from the Spain Royals are well. 

The letter says: 

From the Head of Protocol of HM The King

Her Majesty Queen Sofia instructs me to convey her sincere gratitude for the affectionate words you have addressed to her for her birthday. 

With kind regards, 

 

More Replies from Spain Royals

Prince Guillaume & Princess Stephanie of Luxembourg - Christmas Reply (2022)

I received this reply last year for the card I had sent for Christmas 2022. This reply came in April, which is a late Christmas reply, but nowhere near the latest I have received. 

Inside is a handmade Christmas card made by the Foundations Autisme Luxembourg, which Grand Duchess Maria Teresa is patron of. The card is from a set sold by the charity. The couple have been using cards from this charity for a few years now. 

The front features a lovely tree design along with the message "Merry Christmas" in Luxembourgish.

The card is made of heavy cardstock and the design on the front is layered, so the card has a nice weight and texture. 

The inside of the card is blank but includes two inserts. 

The first insert is the usual sort of flat card. 

The cards says: 

Their Royal Highnesses the Hereditary Grand Duke and The Hereditary Grand Duchess wish to thank you for your kind greetings and send you their best wishes for the new year. 

Luxembourg, December 2022 

Included with the flat card is a family photos. (Prince Francois was not born until the following year, which is why he is not in this photo.) The photo is of part of set released by the Luxembourg monarchy in December 2022. 

More replies from the Luxembourg Royals

Princess Caroline of Hanover (Monaco) Christmas Reply (2023)

I had written to Princess Caroline of Hanover twice recently, for Christmas and her Birthday. The card does not mention specifically what event this is in reply to, but given the envelope is postmarked January 4th, I would guess this is in reply to my Christmas card. This is the first Christmas Card I have received. 

I have written to Princess Caroline a number of times over the years and have only gotten two responses before this. Or 4, if you want to count the 3 identical cards I received within a few days of each other last year. 

Princess Caroline's replies have always been the same flat card. 

The card says: 

Palace of Monaco 

H.R.H. The Princess of Hanover would like to thank you for your kind wishes which were much appreciated. 

More replies for Princess Caroline

Princess Caroline of Hanover (Monaco Replies)

Princess Caroline's usual reply. 

I have written to Princess Caroline a number of times over the years. I have only received a handful of replies from her. And since I often wrote for Christmas and then her birthday in January, it is unclear sometimes what event the reply is for. 

Birthday/Christmas Replies 

• Christmas 2023
• Christmas 2022/ Birthday 2023 (3 replies)
• Christmas 2017

Back to Replies - Main Page

 

Death of Princess Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg (2023)

I received this reply last year when I had written Grand Duke Henri to express my condolence on the death of his aunt, Princess Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg. Marie-Gabrielle was the sister of Grand Duke Jean and daugther of Grand Duchess Charlotte.

This is the 2nd mourning reply I have received from the Luxembourg Royals. I had previously written following the death of Princess Alix, who was Princess Marie-Gabrielle's sister. That reply was from Grand Duke Jean and written on slightly different stationary. 

The envelope was a special one. It features black edging for mourning. The inside of the envelope is lined with black tissue paper. You can find the the envelope here along with the standard envelope. 

Inside was the usual sort of flat card. This has the same black edging as the envelope. 

The card says: 

His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Luxembourg very much appreciated your message of sympathy on the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Marie-Gabrielle of Luxembourg. 

His Royal Highness would like to convey to you His sincerest thanks. 

More Replies from the Luxembourg Royals

Princess Elisabeth of Belgium - Birthday Reply (2023)

I received this reply back in December. I had written to Princess Elisabeth of Belgium for her 22nd Birthday. 

The reply contained a photo of Princess Elisabeth along with a typed card. The photo was the official photo released for the Princess's birthday. The photo taken by Bas Bogaert at the Royal Palace of Laeken.

The flat card is the usual type of thing and is written in French, one of Belgium's official languages.

The card says: 

Her Royal Highness the Princess Elisabeth was pleased to receive the warm wishes you send to her on the occasion of her 22nd birthday. 

The Princess thanks you with all her heart for this very appreciated gesture.

More Replies from the Belgium Royals.