Royal Etiquette & Protocol

Etiquette And Protocol

Contacting Members of The Royal Family

Due to the sheer number of people who wish to contact the Royal Family, correspondence is only possible via letter. Members of the Royal Family cannot be contacted directly via email or telephone.

There is no strict protocol about how a letter should be written, though some people wish to observe the traditional forms.

In which case, people may write to The King with the formal opening ‘Sir’ and close the letter with the form ‘I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Majesty’s humble and obedient servant’.

For other members of the Royal Family the formal opening is ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’. Other people prefer to open their letter with ‘Your Royal Highness’ and end it with ‘Yours sincerely’.

How should I address Members of the Royal Family?

For The King: ‘Your Majesty’ on the first occasion, and Sir thereafter. Other male members of The Royal Family who hold the title His Royal Highness: ‘Your Royal Highness’ on the first occasion and ‘Sir’ thereafter.

For The Queen : ‘Your Majesty’ on the first occasion, and ‘Ma’am’ thereafter. For female members of The Royal Family who hold the title Her Royal Highness: ‘Your Royal Highness’ on the first occasion, and then ‘Ma’am’ thereafter.