No doubt, with Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh’s passing and funeral, many will wish to send cards or letters of condolence to Queen Elizabeth.

Or send a birthday card to mark Her Majesty’s 95th birthday on Wednesday, 21 April?

Or next year, hopefully, when Queen Elizabeth celebrates her Platinum Jubilee in 2022?

According to the British Royal Family’s official website, The Queen sees almost all of her correspondence as she takes a keen interest in the letters she receives.

Here are some basic guidelines, according to the British Royal Family’s official website.

• No unsolicited gifts, including food items, such as chocolate biscuits, sent to the Queen as they cannot be accepted for security reasons.
• The Queen, as a constitutional Monarch, does not intervene in any political or personal disputes. Anyone asking her to do so will receive a standard response.

Royal Commentator Victoria Arbiter says food items are unlikely to be passed on to the Queen.

‘She would likely be made aware and she’d, of course, appreciate the gesture, but for safety reasons, food from an unknown source comes with potential risk. A thoughtful, hand-written card would more than suffice.’

However, the official website has warned, due to COVID-19 measures, the Correspondence Team’s capacity is ‘currently reduced’ so there will be delays with replies to letters and cards.

The Queen’s Address

For those writing a formal letter, begin with ‘Madam’ and close with ‘I have the honour to be, Madam, Your Majesty’s humble and obedient servant‘.

The traditional approach is not obligatory so well-wishers should feel free to write in whatever style they feel comfortable with.

The Queen’s postal address is:

Her Majesty The Queen
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA
United Kingdom