Birthdays & Anniversaries - The King's Congratulatory Cards

Since 1917, the Sovereign has sent congratulatory messages to people celebrating notable birthdays and anniversaries.

The King's congratulatory messages consist of a card containing a personalised message. The card comes in a special envelope, which is delivered by special delivery on the day of the event (or the last day of a week if the event falls on a weekend).

Congratulatory messages are sent marking:

100^th birthday
105^th birthday and every year following
60^thWedding Anniversary
65^thWedding Anniversary
70^thWedding Anniversary and every year following

For Bailiwick of Guernsey residents, delivery of a message can be arranged by the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace through the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor at Government House.

The Lieutenant-Governor likewise will send a congratulatory letter to Bailiwick residents celebrating the same significant birthdays and anniversaries.

How to apply

To arrange for a celebratory message to be sent for these significant occasions, you should contact us by email or letter four weeks before the special day.

For birthdays, your email / letter must include the following details:

a copy of the celebrant's birth certificate or passport
a cover note from the applicant with the celebrant's full name, present address, date of birth and maiden name (if applicable)
contact details of applicant, including name, address and phone number

For wedding anniversaries, your email / letter must include the following details:

a copy of the celebrants' wedding certificate
a cover note from the applicant with the celebrants' full names, type of anniversary, date of anniversary and their present address
contact details of applicant, including name, address and phone number

It is possible to receive a belated message for both birthdays and wedding anniversaries up to six months after the event.

Please note that if you apply directly to The Palace, the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor will not be informed.