To write a letter to His Majesty, focus on clarity, respect, and proper etiquette, choosing between a traditional formal style or a more comfortable, contemporary approach.
Crafting a letter to the Sovereign is a thoughtful process that combines formality with genuine expression. Whether you opt for a time-honored address or a more modern tone, the key is to convey your message respectfully and clearly.
General Guidelines for Correspondence
When preparing your letter, keep the following principles in mind:
- Clarity and Conciseness: Get straight to the point. His Majesty receives a large volume of correspondence.
- Legibility: Type your letter if possible. If handwritten, ensure it's very neat and easy to read.
- Appropriate Tone: Maintain a respectful and polite tone throughout.
- Paper Quality: Use good quality plain paper, typically A4 size.
- Proofread: Check for any spelling or grammatical errors before sending.
Components of Your Letter
A well-structured letter ensures your message is conveyed effectively.
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Your Address and Date:
- Place your full address (including postcode) in the top right-hand corner.
- Below your address, write the date.
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Salutation (Opening)
- For a traditional formal approach, you can open with 'Sir'.
- Alternatively, you may use "Your Majesty."
- If you prefer a less formal but still respectful tone, "Dear King Charles" or "Dear Sir" could be considered, though "Your Majesty" or "Sir" are generally preferred for direct correspondence.
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The Body of Your Letter:
- Begin by clearly stating the purpose of your letter.
- Keep your paragraphs concise and focused on one idea each.
- Avoid overly long sentences or complex jargon.
- Express your thoughts or concerns respectfully and without demanding anything.
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Closing:
- For a traditional formal close, you can use the form: "I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Majesty's humble and obedient servant."
- This traditional approach is by no means obligatory. You should feel free to write in whatever style you feel comfortable.
- More modern, yet still respectful, closings include:
- "Yours sincerely,"
- "Respectfully,"
- "With my humble duty,"
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Signature:
- Leave four lines of space between your closing and your typed name.
- Sign your full name neatly in blue or black ink in this space.
- Below your signature, type your full name.
Addressing the Envelope
Properly addressing the envelope is crucial for ensuring your letter reaches His Majesty.
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Recipient's Address:
- His Majesty The King
- Buckingham Palace
- London SW1A 1AA
- United Kingdom
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Your Return Address: Place your return address in the top left corner of the envelope.
Examples of Formal Wording
Here's a quick reference table for key phrases:
| Element | Traditional Formal | More Comfortable/Modern |
|---|---|---|
| Salutation | Sir, | Your Majesty, |
| Opening | "I wish to convey to Your Majesty..." | "I am writing to Your Majesty to express..." |
| Closing | I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Majesty's humble and obedient servant. | Yours sincerely, / Respectfully, / With my humble duty, |
What to Write About
People write to His Majesty for a variety of reasons, including:
- Expressing Congratulations: On significant events or achievements.
- Sharing Well Wishes: For His Majesty's health or during national holidays.
- Offering Condolences: During times of national or personal mourning.
- Commenting on Public Life: With respectful observations (though direct action or response is rare).
- Special Occasions: Sending messages for significant milestones (e.g., 100th birthday, 60th wedding anniversary), though these are usually sent to the Palace about someone else.
Things to Avoid
- Personal Requests for Favours: The King cannot intervene in personal matters.
- Financial Requests: This is not appropriate.
- Highly Political Statements: While you can express views, avoid aggressive or overtly partisan language.
- Excessive Familiarity: Always maintain a respectful distance.
- Sending Valuables: Do not include gifts or money in your letter.
Remember, while a reply is not guaranteed, your letter will be received and its contents noted by His Majesty's Private Office. For further details on Royal correspondence, you may consult the official Royal Family website.
