How many letters did Queen Elizabeth send to 100 year olds?

Over her remarkable 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II sent approximately 307,000 congratulatory messages to subjects celebrating their 100th birthday in the United Kingdom. This figure highlights the dramatic increase in centenarians since the start of her rule, showcasing the growth of this cherished royal tradition.

Quick Summary

Queen Elizabeth II sent around 307,000 congratulatory cards to centenarians in the UK during her reign. This number grew significantly from just 273 in 1952 to over 7,500 annually by 2014, reflecting an aging population and a long-standing royal tradition.

Key Points

• Total Number of Centenarian Cards: Queen Elizabeth II sent an estimated 307,000 100th birthday messages to people in the UK during her reign.

• Annual Volume Growth: The number of cards for centenarians dramatically increased from just 273 in 1952 to over 7,500 by 2014.

• Total Milestone Cards: The total number of birthday and anniversary messages sent by the Queen throughout her reign was approximately 1.3 million.

• Reflecting Longevity: The significant increase in sent messages reflects the growing number of centenarians due to longer life expectancies.

• Tradition's Origin: The practice of the monarch sending congratulatory cards began with King George V in 1917.

• Continuity with King Charles III: The tradition is being continued by King Charles III, who resumed sending cards shortly after his accession.

• Application Process: Relatives or friends must apply to the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace to ensure a message is sent.

The Expanding Royal Tradition

The tradition of the monarch sending congratulatory messages to centenarians began in 1917 with King George V. This practice significantly expanded during Queen Elizabeth II's reign due to increased life expectancy and population growth. The number of cards sent annually rose from 273 in 1952 to over 7,500 by 2014, necessitating additional staff at Buckingham Palace to manage the volume.

The Totals Sent Throughout the Reign

Queen Elizabeth II sent an estimated 307,000 messages for 100th birthdays in the UK during her 70-year reign. The total number of cards sent from Buckingham Palace for various milestones, including 105th birthdays and significant wedding anniversaries, was around 1.3 million.

A Growing Number of Centenarians

The increase in centenarians throughout Queen Elizabeth II's reign reflects advancements in public health and medical care. For instance, England and Wales saw over 15,000 centenarians in 2022, more than double the figure from 2002. This demographic trend directly influenced the volume of royal correspondence.

A Personalized and Cherished Moment

Each congratulatory card was a personal acknowledgment for the recipient. The Anniversaries Office managed these messages, sending them to eligible citizens upon application with proof. Receiving a card from the monarch was a significant event for many.

The Royal Tradition Continues

Following Queen Elizabeth II's death, the Anniversaries Office briefly paused sending messages. King Charles III and Queen Camilla then continued the tradition with new cards featuring their photograph. This demonstrates the ongoing nature of this royal tradition.

How to Receive a Centenarian Card

An application must be submitted to the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace to receive a card. Eligibility typically includes 100th and 105th birthdays and subsequent years, as well as specific wedding anniversaries.

Comparison of Centenarian Cards: Queen Elizabeth II vs. King George V

Feature	King George V	Queen Elizabeth II
Period of Reign	1917 onwards (for centenarians)	1952–2022
Initial Annual Volume (approx.)	24 (in 1917)	273 (in 1952)
Peak Annual Volume (approx.)	Not specified, but far fewer due to lower population longevity	Exceeded 7,500 by 2014
Total Centenarian Messages (approx.)	Likely in the hundreds to low thousands	~307,000 (UK only)
Total Messages (all milestones) (approx.)	Not specified, but much lower	~1.3 million (UK, Realms, Overseas Territories)
Form of Message	Telegram	Printed card with signed message

Conclusion

Queen Elizabeth II sent approximately 307,000 letters to centenarians in the UK during her reign, reflecting increased life expectancy. The tradition, started by King George V, grew significantly, mirroring the rise in the number of very old people. These messages were a personal and valued connection between the monarch and her subjects, a practice that continues under King Charles III.

Sources:

• BBC News. "King Charles III's first set of 100th birthday cards delivered." October 23, 2022.
• Statista. "Number of telegrams and diamond anniversary messages sent by the Queen UK 2016-2022." August 09, 2024.
• Office for National Statistics. "Estimates of the very old, including centenarians, England and Wales: 2002 to 2022." January 11, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many total congratulatory cards did Queen Elizabeth II send?

During her entire reign, Queen Elizabeth II sent approximately 1.3 million congratulatory cards for both significant birthdays (including 100th and 105th) and wedding anniversaries (including 60th, 65th, and 70th) across the UK, Commonwealth, and British Overseas Territories.

Did the number of centenary cards increase during Queen Elizabeth's reign?

Yes, the number of centenarian cards increased substantially. In 1952, at the start of her reign, she sent 273 messages to centenarians, but by 2014, this annual number had grown to over 7,500.

Who started the tradition of sending royal centenary messages?

The tradition began with King George V in 1917, who sent a telegram to those celebrating their 100th birthday.

What happens to the tradition now that Queen Elizabeth has passed away?

The tradition is being continued by King Charles III. After a suspension during the mourning period, new cards featuring the King and Queen Consort began to be sent out to mark milestones.

How did the monarchy keep up with the increasing number of centenarians?

With the population of centenarians steadily rising over the decades, the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace had to expand its operations. By 2014, extra staff were hired to manage the increasing volume of requests.

Was there a post-war baby boom that affected the number of centenarians?

Yes, the number of centenarians received a boost from a spike in births following the First World War. For example, in 2020, many of those born in 1920 reached their 100th birthday, contributing to a record high number of centenarians in the UK.

How can someone receive a congratulatory card from the monarch?

To receive a congratulatory card, an application must be made to the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace. It is typically required that the celebrant is a citizen of a Commonwealth realm or a UK Overseas Territory.