In the UK, there is a wonderful tradition that has been going on for over 100 years! British citizens who turn 100 years old receive a congratulatory card from Queen Elizabeth II herself.

The tradition of personally congratulating subjects on significant milestones was established by King George V, who ruled from 1910 to 1936. The monarch, through the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace, used to send telegrams for 100th birthdays and 60th wedding anniversaries. Over time, the tradition has evolved.

Today, Queen Elizabeth II continues the tradition through the same office, congratulating those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthdays (from the 106th, congratulations become annual), as well as those marking their 60th, 65th, and 70th wedding anniversaries (from the 71st, congratulations also become annual).

Of course, telegrams are a thing of the past. Nowadays, the Queen sends a card in a unique envelope, consisting of a cover, insert, and a golden ribbon.

Conservative Britons hold this tradition dearly and treat it with great care. The whole family of the centenarian eagerly anticipates the Queen's card! Mr. Norman Craig received a congratulatory card from the Queen on his 100th birthday. During lockdown, when guests and parties were not possible, the Queen's card became even more cherished!

Mr. Craig celebrated his 100th birthday on January 31, 2021.

Each year, the number of congratulatory cards sent by the royal household significantly increases. For example, in 1952, the Queen sent less than 3,000 congratulatory telegrams on her behalf, but now more than 10,000 birthday greetings are sent.

To manage this volume of work, the Queen of the United Kingdom has hired a special assistant to handle congratulatory messages. The position is called "Assistant for Jubilee Affairs." The main function of the royal assistant is to ensure that all recipients who meet the established criteria receive a congratulatory card from the Queen. The salary for such a employee is around 20,000 pounds sterling.

According to modern scientific calculations, every third child born in Britain is expected to live to 100 years old.