One Hundredth Birthday Greetings

Since it’s initiation in 1917, the Sovereign sends congratulatory messages to people celebrating notable birthdays and anniversaries. Receiving a congratulatory card from His Majesty The King to mark a significant birthday adds to the very special celebrations.

The delivery of congratulatory messages marking 100th birthdays is arranged by the Anniversaries Office, part of the Private Secretary’s Office in the Royal Household, based at Buckingham Palace. Cards are sent to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter.

The King’s congratulatory messages consist of a card containing a personalised message. The card comes in a special envelope, which is delivered through the normal postal channels.

Arranging a congratulatory birthday greeting

The Pension Service informs the Anniversaries Office of birthdays for recipients of UK State pensions. However, to make sure that a message is sent for birthdays, an application should preferably be made by a relative or friend in advance of the special day.

In order to request a congratulatory message from His Majesty The King, friends or family must download and complete an application form (click here to download directly). Please return the completed form to:

The Anniversaries Office,
Buckingham Palace,
London SW1A 1AA

— no sooner than three weeks before the celebration date. It is possible to receive a belated message up to six months after the event. The Anniversaries Office will write to confirm that the application has been received and approved.

It is now also possible to apply online at https://apply.royal.gov.uk/Apply/.

In the event that you do need to provide the Anniversaries Office with documentary proof in the form of a photocopy of the celebrant’s birth certificate, that will be returned to you in due course. You will receive prompt acknowledgement of your application confirming that a message will be sent and returning all documents to you.

Arranging a VIP delivery

If you would like the Lord-Lieutenant to personally deliver the message then please contact the Clerk to the Lieutenancy to make the arrangement. If the Lord-Lieutenant is unable, through commitments, to deliver the message personally she will arrange for the Vice Lord-Lieutenant or one of his Deputy Lieutenants to attend.