King Charles and Queen Camilla Hand Deliver One of Their Famous 100th Birthday Cards on Royal Away Day

Mar. 15, 2025

Queen Camilla and King Charles visit Middlesbrough on Feb. 13, 2025.Photo:Ian Forsyth/Getty

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive to meet members of the public during a visit to Middlesbrough

Ian Forsyth/Getty

King CharlesandQueen Camillahave kept the royal tradition of celebrating U.K. residents turning 100 with a special birthday card — but rarely do they hand deliver!

Queen Camilla, 77, also offered her congratulations, saying, “A very happy birthday.”

King Charles also confirmed when the occasion was, excitedly raising his hands and repeating, “Today!”

King Charles and Queen Camilla present Rona Grafton with a 100th birthday card on Feb. 13, 2025.Chris Jackson/Getty

Queen Camilla and King Charles III during a walk along Russell Street

Chris Jackson/Getty

According to the U.K. government, residents can receive special messages from the monarch for milestone occasions including birthdays (for the 100th and 105th birthdays, then every year after) and anniversaries (60th, 65th, 70th and every anniversary each year following that).

The custom dates back to 1917 when King George V began sending telegrams to centenarians. DuringQueen Elizabeth’s reign, approximately 1.3 million cards were sent to mark birthdays and anniversaries across the U.K., the Realms and the overseas territories, per Buckingham Palace.

Queen Camilla and King Charles III during a walk along Russell Street

King Charles continued the tradition shortly after his accession, sending thefirst round of birthday cardsfrom the palace shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. The cards feature a portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla along with a short note and their signatures.

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Veteran Jim Miller and King Charles at Buckingham Palace on May 22, 2024.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty

King Charles III, Patron of the Royal British Legion, presents D-Day veteran Jim Miller with a card to mark his 100th birthday

Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty

source: people.com