Current citizens of Commonwealth realms or UK Overseas Territories. Commonwealth realms are countries where the King is Head of State. In May 2002, an event in Israel was held to celebrate Israel's 600 centenarians, inspired by the custom of The Queen's birthday messages. A message from The Queen was sent to the guests, saying: no earlier than 5 weeks before the anniversary date if you apply online, or 3 weeks before if you apply by post

Cards are sent to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter. Their Majesties’ congratulatory messages consist of a card containing a personalised message and are sent via Royal Mail. Residents of Australia, Canada and New Zealand can also apply. Any applications from these places should be sent to the relevant Governor-General, who, as The King's personal representative in these countries, arranges for these messages to be sent. The oldest ever recipient of a message from The Queen was a Canadian gentleman, who reached the age of 116 in December 1984.The former ballerina Dame Ninette de Valois received a message wishing her 'a very happy day' in June 1998.

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY: The new royal greeting cards show a smiling King and Queen Consort on the cover (Image by Aaron Chown/PA Wire) Occasionally, messages have been sent to well-known or unusual recipients, perhaps the most famous of which was Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who received an official 100th birthday greeting from her daughter in 2000. If the couple’s surname has changed since their marriage, is it essential for you to provide proof of their name change. This can be in the form of a copy of the Deed Poll or copy of the London Gazette entry ( www.london-gazette.co.uk). If no official documentation can be found to support the name change, a congratulatory message can still be arranged in the name as stated on the marriage certificate. 12. How much does it cost to arrange a message from His Majesty? It would not be appropriate for The King to send a congratulatory message when a celebrant has passed away. 15. How will I know if my application has been received?To update any other benefit record, report a change in circumstances. If the person does not get a State Pension or other benefit or does not live in the UK

Only current citizens of Commonwealth realms (countries where The King is Head of State) or UK Overseas Territories are eligible to receive messages. Cards are sent to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter, and to those celebrating their diamond wedding (60th), 65th, 70th wedding anniversaries and every year thereafter. Birthday Messages Diamond wedding anniversaries (60th), 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries can also be celebrated with a royal greeting. More information on how to apply can be found here. The King sends messages of congratulations for Diamond (60th), 65th and Platinum (70th) wedding anniversaries and every year thereafter. His Majesty also arranges messages for 100th, 105th birthdays and every year thereafter. 2. Can a message be sent after the anniversary/birthday has passed?It is possible to receive a belated message up to six months after the event. Unfortunately, it is not possible to arrange a message for an event which took place more than six months previously. However, it may be possible to arrange a message for the anniversary/birthday the following year - an application should be made as usual, three weeks before the next anniversary/birthday. 3. How soon can I apply for a message from The King? The Anniversaries Office has now officially reopened after the first round of cards from the new King were sent out last week. People who are looking to receive a congratulatory message from the King and Queen Consort, for themselves or a family or friend, are now able to apply for one. His Majesty only sends messages to people who are current citizens of Her Realms and UK Overseas Territories. It would therefore be necessary for you to supply the Anniversaries Office with proof of the celebrant(s) British Nationality (i.e A photocopy of a current or recent British Passport). 10. The celebrant(s) live(s) in Australia, Canada, or New Zealand. What do I need to do? Frequently asked questions 1. Which anniversaries/birthdays does The King send congratulatory messages for?