Was the letter a put-down? Yes, says the commentator. Was it necessary? Probably not, but maybe. It’s like owning a leather jacket: you don’t need it, but it makes a statement. In this case, the statement was, “We are busy and you are not.”
In everyday life, we navigate these little power plays all the time. It’s why we use phrases like “no worries” when we’re actually worried, or “I’ll circle back” when we mean “never contact me again.” The Palace is just doing it with nicer paper.
So, next time you get a letter—or a text—that feels a bit cold, take a breath. Maybe it’s not about you. Maybe they’re just practicing their royal dismissiveness. And if you’re the one writing the passive-aggressive note, ask yourself: “Is this a put-down, or is this a boundary?” Because the difference matters, even if you don’t have a crown.
