Royal Mail

Royal Mail is the British postal service, a brand with more than 500 years of history that began as a service for the King and his court. It delivers letters and parcels six days a week to around 32 million UK addresses and also operates parcel hubs in Warrington and Daventry. Parcelforce Worldwide, its sister company, handles heavier and express parcels.

Features

• Letters and parcels, with drop-off at Post Office branches (a separate company), collection from home and tracked services
• Universal service obligation with one price for first class letters anywhere in the UK
• Services for businesses and online sellers, including international delivery

Ownership and limits

Royal Mail belongs to International Distribution Services (IDS). The UK government cleared the takeover by the Czech EP Group of Daniel Křetínský in December 2024, and the shares were delisted from the London Stock Exchange in June 2025. The government attached conditions that protect the first class service. Royal Mail is therefore British with a European owner. Parcel prices differ by size and speed and are not compared here.