Philately Summer Camp 2026

I participated as a resource person in the 'Philately Summer Camp 2026,' held at the Philatelic Bureau located within the Chennai Anna Salai Head Post Office of the India Post Department. Organized for school students studying in grades 6 through 9, this camp provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to the world of Postcrossing and to share insights regarding collection methods—an experience I found truly rewarding.

The children who participated in this camp not only learned about postcards but also gained a fantastic opportunity to build their own collections, explore various countries across the globe, and make new friends.

Sending Christmas greetings to royal families

 Sending Christmas greetings to royal families is a time-honored tradition. Many of them have a dedicated correspondence team that sends out formal reply cards, often featuring a photo of the family from that year.

Here are the addresses for ten royal families known for sending replies.

1. United Kingdom 🇬🇧

The British royals are perhaps the most reliable repliers. You can write to The King and Queen, or The Prince and Princess of Wales.1

• For King Charles III and Queen Camilla:

  His Majesty The King

  Buckingham Palace2

  London, SW1A 1AA

  UNITED KINGDOM3

• For The Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Catherine):4

  TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales5

  Kensington Palace

  London, W8 4PU6

  UNITED KINGDOM7

2. Belgium 🇧🇪

The Belgian palace is known for sending lovely cards, often with a family photo.

• Address:

  His Majesty The King8

  Palais Royal de Bruxelles

  Rue Brederode 169

  B-1000 Bruxelles

  BELGIUM10

3. Denmark 🇩🇰

Note that there is a new King (King Frederik X) as of January 2024.

• Address:

  His Majesty The King

  Amalienborg Slotsplads 8

  Postboks 2143

  DK-1257 Copenhagen K11

  DENMARK

4. Monaco 🇲🇨

The Princely family of Monaco typically sends very high-quality, glossy reply cards.

• Address:

  Son Altesse Sérénissime le Prince Albert II

  Palais Princier de Monaco12

  Boîte Postale 51813

  MC-98015 Monaco Cedex14

  MONACO

5. Spain 🇪🇸

The Spanish Royal Household sends formal replies, though they are sometimes typed letters rather than photo cards.

• Address:

  Su Majestad el Rey Don Felipe VI

  Palacio de La Zarzuela15

  Carretera del Pardo s/n16

  28071 Madrid

  SPAIN

6. Norway 🇳🇴

King Harald V and the Norwegian royals are very consistent with correspondence.

• Address:

  His Majesty The King

  The Royal Court

  The Royal Palace

  P.O. Box 1 Vika17

  NO-0010 Oslo

  NORWAY

7. Sweden 🇸🇪

The Swedish Royal Court sends standard replies, often a card with a printed signature.

• Address:

  His Majesty The King

  Kungl. Slottet

  SE-107 70 Stockholm18

  SWEDEN

8. The Netherlands 🇳🇱

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have a modern correspondence office.

• Address:

  His Majesty The King

  Noordeinde Palace19

  Postbus 30412

  2500 GK Den Haag20

  THE NETHERLANDS

9. Luxembourg 🇱🇺

The Grand Ducal family is smaller but very polite regarding correspondence.

• Address:

  His Royal Highness The Grand Duke

  Palais Grand-Ducal21

  17, rue du Marché-aux-Herbes

  L-1728 Luxembourg

  LUXEMBOURG

10. Liechtenstein 🇱🇮

This small principality is excellent at replying, often sending cards signed by the secretariat.

• Address:

  H.S.H. The Prince of Liechtenstein

  Schloss Vaduz22

  9490 Vaduz

  LIECHTENSTEIN

✉️ Tips for Success

• Timing: Send your cards early (late November or very early December) to ensure they arrive before the holiday rush.23

• Salutation: A safe and respectful opening for any monarch is "Your Majesty" (or "Your Royal Highness" for Princes/Grand Dukes).24

• Language: Most European royal households have staff who read English perfectly well, so writing in English is acceptable. However, writing a simple "Merry Christmas" in their native language (e.g., Joyeux Noël for Belgium/Monaco, God Jul for Scandinavia) is a nice touch.

• Postage: You do not need to include return postage (stamps or envelopes). If they reply, they will cover the postage themselves

A Radio Postcard Journey - 70

A radio related postcard featuring the beloved Peanuts characters has surfaced, showcasing a whimsical moment from Charles M. Schulz's iconic comic strip. The image captures Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, and other familiar faces seemingly intrigued by a radio box.

In the scene, the characters appear to be observing something emanating from the radio, with yellow birds depicted flying away from it, as also noticed by Woodstock. This playful depiction aligns with the heartwarming and imaginative spirit of the Peanuts series, known for its simple yet profound explorations of childhood experiences.

The Peanuts, created by Charles M. Schulz, has touched generations with its endearing characters and relatable narratives about everyday life. This postcard offers a charming glimpse into the Peanuts' world, reminding us of the simple joys and curiosities often found within it.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 68

A new radio related postcard featuring the signature humor of German cartoonist Ralph Ruthe is making waves, playfully highlighting a common workplace dilemma. The cartoon depicts two colleagues, one blissfully tuning into a radio while the other throws a pointed glare, accompanied by the speech bubble translating to, "Listening to the radio at work? I can't concentrate."

Ruthe, known for his witty and often satirical observations on everyday life, has once again captured a relatable scenario with his distinct artistic style. The simple yet effective imagery and text resonate with anyone who has experienced the distraction of a colleague's preferred audio entertainment.

This postcard serves as a lighthearted commentary on workplace etiquette and the delicate balance between personal preferences and shared environments. Fans of Ruthe's work and those who have ever been on either side of this radio debate are sure to find amusement in this latest offering.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 67

This radio related postcard celebrating Reggae music and featuring a classic Jamaican cassette radio has made its way across the globe through the Postcrossing. The "Reggae Music Lover Colorful Jamaica Cassette Radio Postcard," created by Creative Designer Shop on Zazzle, was recently sent by a user named Jay from the USA. 

This two-in-one radio design, blending the love of reggae with a nostalgic image of a tape recorder & radio, highlights the diverse and creative exchanges fostered by the international postcard swapping initiative.

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Postcrossers' Diary - 19

📰 Just released! The latest "Postcrossers' Diary" newsletter from the Madras Postcrossing Commune (MPC) is here! 🎉 Catch up on the inspiring Postcard Journaling Workshop held at Nageswara Rao Park, featuring insights from Ms. Kavya Shree and Mr. Naren Kumar, plus a heartwarming felicitation of senior philatelist Mr. Rolands Nelson.

And that's not all! The newsletter also has an exciting announcement for all Postcrossers: get ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Postcrossing! 🥳 The MPC will be organizing a special meet-up to mark two decades of connecting the world through postcards. Keep an eye on the MPC WhatsApp group for details on the date, time, and location.

Don't miss out on all the Postcrossing news and community updates on MPC WhatsApp group. Happy reading and happy Postcrossing! 

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 66

Throwback to the vibrant energy of the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas! This cool postcard, featuring the T-Mobile Arena back in 2018, captures the excitement.

For those who don't know, iHeartRadio is a fantastic US-based platform offering tons of music, podcasts, and live radio stations. They're also famous for putting on huge events like this festival, bringing together amazing artists and fans!

Big thanks to PixieDustGirl from the Postcrossing Forum for sending this radio-themed gem my way! 💌

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A Radio Postcard Journey- 65

A postcard featuring a creatively designed "two-in-one" radio and tape recorder has received, sent by a Postcrossing enthusiast from Greece. The postcard, part of the Portlandia Mixology series, is the work of DKNG, a design studio known for its distinctive style.

The image on the card playfully reimagines a classic boombox, giving it a rustic, almost organic feel. The sender, is Timothy from Greece via the Big 50 RR (a Postcrossing Forum initiative), added an extra touch by affixing a stamp that also appears to be radio-related, further enhancing the theme of the mail art.

DKNG, the designers behind the Portlandia Mixology Poster series, share their work on Dribbble, a platform for designers and creative professionals worldwide. This particular design showcases their imaginative approach to everyday objects.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 64

A vintage radio related postcard, featuring a young girl with a distinctive two-in-one radio, has recently surfaced through the popular Postcrossing forum's "October Alt RR" exchange. The card, a testament to mid-20th-century technology and design, showcases a radio with a prominent long dial, indicative of its capability to tune into shortwave bands.

The postcard itself is a product of German printing, bearing the mark of Gruss & Co., known for their quality lithography. It was sent by Nicole from Germany, adding to its international appeal and the rich tapestry of connections fostered by the Postcrossing community. This particular piece is a delightful find for enthusiasts of vintage electronics and postcard collectors alike, offering a glimpse into the past when radio was a central part of daily life.

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Postcard Journaling Workshop

The Madras Postcrossing Commune and Postally Hut are delighted to announce the upcoming Postcard Journaling Workshop, set to take place on Saturday, May 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the picturesque Nageswara Park in Mylapore.

This special workshop marks the fifth and final week of a highly successful five-week series dedicated to Philately and Postcrossing. Participants will delve into the creative art of postcard journaling, a unique way to express thoughts, memories, and aspirations through artistic and written elements on postcards.

The organizers encourage attendees to embrace the workshop's underlying philosophy, drawing inspiration from themes such as "Purpose of our lives is to be HAPPY," "DO MORE of what makes you HAPPY," and the empowering notion to "CREATE THE THING you wish existed." This session promises to be an engaging and enriching experience for all who wish to explore their creativity and connect with others through the joy of journaling.

Those interested in participating are kindly requested to express their interest by sending a WhatsApp message to +91 81485 66110. Early registration is encouraged as spaces may be limited.

Don't miss this opportunity to discover the therapeutic and artistic benefits of postcard journaling in the serene surroundings of Nageswara Park.

About Madras Postcrossing Commune and Postally Hut:

The Madras Postcrossing Commune and Postally Hut are dedicated organizations fostering the love for philately, postcrossing, and creative expression through various workshops and community events.

Contact:

[WhatsApp: +91 81485 66110 for registration inquiries]

Poland postage stamp on Postcrossing & UPU

1. The postcard shows a Polish postage stamp commemorating 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The stamp, valued at 2 złoty, features the UPU logo and the inscription "150 LAT ŚWIATOWEGO ZWIĄZKU POCZTOWEGO," which translates to "150 Years of the Universal Postal Union" in Polish. The stamp also includes the text "A.TOBOLCZYK PWPW SA 2024," indicating the designer and the printing company, and was issued in 2024.

2. The postcard depicts a Polish postage stamp issued in 2024, designed by A. Tobolczyk, promoting Postcrossing. It is valued at 10 złoty. Postcrossing is a global project connecting people through the exchange of postcards. 

Key details: 

• Country: Poland

• Year: 2024

• Designer: A. Tobolczyk

• Value: 10 złoty

• Purpose: Promotes the Postcrossing project, which facilitates the exchange of postcards worldwide.

• Polish Post: The Polish postal service has a long history, dating back to 1558. Stamps often commemorate important events and initiatives

Recent issue of Postcrossers Diary

 

A Radio Postcard Journey - 63

A unique postcard, categorized as a "radio postcard," has surfaced featuring the iconic Statue of Liberty playfully carrying a large two-in-one radio, known as a "boombox" in the United States. This whimsical take on the famous statue was printed in Rochester, N.Y., and marketed by Dellarious.

The postcard was recently sent by Maya, a US postcrosser, through the Postcrossing Forum's August Alt RR (Round Robin). This creative piece highlights a fun intersection of American culture and a beloved national symbol, bringing a smile to those who encounter it through the popular postcard exchange hobby.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 62

A postcard recently received via the Postcrossing forum's "Different Countries RR" (Round Robin) originates from Finland and offers a glimpse into Finnish radio culture. Sent by a user named Tarja, the card promotes KansanRadio, a program broadcast by YleisRadio.

The postcard specifically highlights that KansanRadio can be heard from Maksuton (likely indicating "free of charge") and airs on Sunnuntaisin (Sundays).

This small piece of mail offers a unique connection between individuals across the globe, sharing not just greetings but also snippets of local media and life. The "Different Countries RR" format of Postcrossing facilitates such exchanges, allowing participants to receive postcards from various nations.

This particular postcard serves as a reminder of the diverse forms of communication and entertainment enjoyed in different parts of the world, with KansanRadio on YleisRadio providing Sunday listening for audiences in Finland.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 61

A charming postcard featuring Kiki from the beloved Studio Ghibli film "Kiki's Delivery Service" has arrived via Postcrossing, sent by Agnia from Russia. The delightful image captures Kiki lying back in a field of green, seemingly enjoying listening to a red transistor radio. 

This makes the postcard particularly interesting as it fits into a "radio postcard" theme, highlighting a peaceful moment of leisure. The lovely card offers a glimpse into Kiki's world beyond her delivery service, enjoying simple pleasures in a park-like setting.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 60

A die-cut postcard design by P. Jagadeeshwaran, printed by The Postcards Originals, captures the iconic architecture of All India Radio (AIR) in commemoration of World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13th.

The postcard features a stylized depiction of the Akashwani Bhavan building, the headquarters of AIR in New Delhi. Established in 1936 and officially known as All India Radio since 1957, AIR is India's national public radio broadcaster, operating under Prasar Bharati. The text "WORLD RADIO DAY FEBRUARY 13" is prominently displayed on the postcard, highlighting the global celebration of radio as a powerful medium.

The accompanying text on the postcard emphasizes AIR's significant role as the "Voice from the sky," a state-owned public radio broadcaster under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

This artistic postcard serves as a visual tribute to the enduring legacy of radio and the pivotal role All India Radio has played in the country's media landscape.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 59

This Radio Walkman postcard, reminiscent of the iconic "His Master's Voice" imagery but with a radio twist, has surfaced. Printed in England in 1988 by Reflex Publishing and Licensing Ltd and marketed by Reflex Marketing Ltd of Lingborough, England, the postcard features a furry terrier seemingly captivated by the sounds emanating from a red Sanyo portable AM, FM Radio cassette player. The dog is depicted with one headphone over its ear, its mouth open in what could be a bark of enjoyment or perhaps an attempt to sing along.

This radio-themed postcard was recently sent by Petra from Nederland, adding an international touch to this piece of vintage ephemera. The postcard's design playfully evokes the historical association of dogs and recorded sound, making it a delightful snapshot of late 20th-century popular culture.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 58

Postally Postcards has released a vibrant postcard commemorating World Radio Day, observed annually on February 13th. The eye-catching design, created by Ajith, features a man carrying a vintage radio through a colorful, stylized Indian village scene, with musical notes radiating from the device. The postcard also clearly marks "WORLD RADIO DAY" and the date "FEBRUARY 13, 2024". This artistic tribute celebrates the enduring power and reach of radio, highlighting its connection to culture and daily life. Postcrossers and radio enthusiasts alike will appreciate this unique keepsake.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 57

Retro Radio Birthday Wish from Europe.A charming "Happy Birthday, Let's Dance!" postcard featuring a retro radio design by Jill White has been spotted. This cheerful card is marketed by BIZARR VERLAG, located at UNTERE WEIDENSTR. 26, 81543 München, and proudly printed within the European Union. The central theme of this postcard is a classic radio, evoking a sense of nostalgia and an invitation to celebrate with music.

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தபால்தலை சேகரிப்பு மற்றும் போஸ்ட்கிராசிங் - கோடைக்கால பயிற்சி முகாம்

சென்னை மயிலாப்பூரில் தபால்தலை சேகரிப்பு மற்றும் போஸ்ட்கிராசிங் குறித்த கோடைக்கால பயிற்சி முகாமினை போஸ்டலி ஹட் மற்றும் மெட்ராஸ் போஸ்ட்கிராசிங் கம்யூன் இணைந்து நடத்தி வருகிறது.

தபால்தலை சேகரிப்பு மற்றும் போஸ்ட்கிராசிங் குறித்த 5 நாள் கோடைக்கால பயிற்சி முகாமில் மூன்றாம் வாரமாக, மே 11, 2025 அன்று "அஞ்சல் தலைகளைக் கண்டறிவோம்" என்ற தலைப்பிலான இந்த இலவச பயிற்சி முகாம் அனைத்து வயதினருக்குமானதாகும். இது சென்னை, மயிலாப்பூர், நாகேஸ்வர ராவ் பூங்கா, லஸ் அவென்யூ, முகவரியில் உள்ள செஸ் சதுக்கத்தில் மாலை 4:00 மணி முதல் 6:00 மணி வரை நடைபெறும்.

இந்த பயனுள்ள தகவலை வெளியிட்ட KYN-க்கு எங்கள் மனமார்ந்த நன்றிகள். தபால்தலை சேகரிப்பில் ஆர்வமுள்ள அனைவரும் இந்த வாய்ப்பைப் பயன்படுத்திக் கொள்ளும்படி கேட்டுக் கொள்கிறோம். பதிவு செய்ய இணைப்பு கருத்துப்பெட்டியில் உள்ளது.

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