Several over 100-year-olds can look forward to very special congratulations: King Charles III. (73) and his wife Camilla (75) have sent their first birthday cards. As the palace reports, some of the congratulations have already reached their recipients.

World War II veteran Ruth Park-Pearson (100) was also among those congratulated. The palace shared a picture on Instagram showing the jubilarian with her card. She was born in Glasgow in 1922. Now she celebrated in the county of North Yorkshire in the presence of many of her six children, 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. In an interview with the BBC, she said: "You don't think about it at the time, later you realize how old you are. You think 'gosh, I remember the former king'."

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) on September 8th, cards were no longer sent out as part of national mourning. During this time, new copies were designed and printed with the motif of the new royal couple. The photo on the birthday cards was taken in the summer of 2018.

Royal messages have been sent since 1917. The tradition dates back to the reign of King George V (1865-1936). Today the cards are sent for the 100th, 105th or even higher birthday. In addition to birthday children, couples who have been married for at least 60 years can also look forward to royal congratulations. According to the palace, around 1.3 million greeting cards were sent to various parts of Great Britain and overseas during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.