First 100th birthday cards from King Charles delivered
23 October 2022, 16:51 | Updated: 4 November 2022, 09:42
The first recipients of 100th birthday cards sent by King Charles III have begun getting the special notices through their door.
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Second World War veteran Ruth Park-Pearson was among the very first to receive a card for her centennial birthday.
The North Yorkshire great-grandmother, who turned 100 on Friday, served in the Women's Royal Naval Service during the War.
She told the PA news agency: "You don't think about it at the time, it's not until later you realise just sort of how old you are suddenly.
"You think my goodness me, I remember the old King."
Describing the scene as her 25 great-grandchildren, 13 grandchildren and six children gathered to mark the special occasion, she said: "So many wonderful presents and flowers, I could start a flower shop almost."
Cards sent out to British centenarians are emblazoned with a picture of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla taken in 2018.
King George V established the tradition of sending a telegram for Brits' 100th birthdays in 1917.
Recipients receive the special notices - now cards- on their 100th and 105th birthdays and every year after that.
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