The delivery of Birthday and Wedding Anniversary messages are managed by the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace in a tradition that dates back to 1917.
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
Only current citizens of His Majesty’s Realms (countries where The King is Head of State) or UK Overseas Territories are eligible to receive messages.
The Centenarian Team at the Department for Work and Pensions notify the Anniversaries Office of those approaching their birthday to ensure everyone receives a message. If you get a State Pension or other benefit and live in the UK you do not need to apply for a birthday message. This will be sent using the name and address on the person’s State Pension or other benefit record.
Wedding Anniversary Messages
Only current citizens of Commonwealth realms (countries where The King is Head of State) or UK Overseas Territories are eligible to receive messages.
To make sure that a message is sent for wedding anniversaries, an application needs to be made by a relative or friend in advance of the special day.
You can apply:
- no earlier than 5 weeks before the anniversary date if you apply online, or 3 weeks before if you apply by post
- up to 6 months after for a belated message
Additional Information
For further information about either Birthday or Anniversary Messages and how to apply please visit The Royal Family Website or The UK Government Website