Official Requirements for a Royal Letter
To be eligible for a congratulatory message from His Majesty The King, an individual must be a British national and be celebrating a specific, significant milestone. The process is managed by the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace and requires an application.
Birthday messages from the King
The most common reason for receiving a letter from the King is a milestone birthday. The official guidelines specify the exact ages for which a congratulatory card will be sent:
- 100th Birthday: The first birthday on which a person receives an official message from the King.
- 105th Birthday: The next milestone after reaching 100.
- Every year thereafter: Following the 105th birthday, a congratulatory message will be sent annually.
For residents of the UK receiving a State Pension, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) automatically notifies the Anniversaries Office. Otherwise, a manual application is required.
Wedding anniversary messages from the King
Couples celebrating a major wedding anniversary can also receive a congratulatory card. As with birthdays, this requires a specific milestone and a direct application:
- Diamond Wedding Anniversary (60th): The first marriage milestone for which a message is sent.
- 65th Wedding Anniversary: The next milestone after the 60th.
- 70th Wedding Anniversary (Platinum): Following the 65th anniversary.
- Every year thereafter: After the 70th, a message is sent every year.
For anniversaries, there is no automatic notification from government records due to data protection rules, so an application is always necessary.
The Application Process
Receiving a royal message is not an automatic process for everyone. For wedding anniversaries and for UK citizens not on a State Pension, the responsibility lies with the family to apply. The application can be made online via the official GOV.UK or Royal.uk websites or by post to the Anniversaries Office.
Required documentation
To prove eligibility, applicants must provide documentary evidence. A photocopy of the birth or marriage certificate is usually required. In some cases, for UK residents receiving a state pension, the Anniversaries Office can verify the birth date directly with the DWP, but providing the certificate can speed up the process.
Application timeline
Applications should be made within a specific window to ensure timely delivery. Online applications can be submitted up to five weeks in advance, while postal applications should be sent at least three weeks before the celebration date. Belated messages can be requested up to six months after the event.
Nationality requirements
It is an important consideration that messages from the King are generally only sent to citizens of the UK, its Overseas Territories, or Commonwealth Realms where the King is head of state. Residents in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand must apply through their respective Governor-Generals, not directly to Buckingham Palace. If the celebrant is a British national living overseas, proof of their nationality, such as a photocopy of a recent British passport, must be provided with the application.
Comparison of royal message types
| Feature | Birthday Message | Wedding Anniversary Message |
|---|---|---|
| First Milestone | 100th birthday | Diamond (60th) anniversary |
| Subsequent Milestones | 105th and annually thereafter | 65th, 70th, and annually thereafter |
| Application Required | For anniversaries and non-UK state pensioners | Always required |
| Automatic Process | For UK state pensioners (for birthdays only) | No automatic process |
| Proof Required | Birth certificate or DWP verification | Marriage certificate or GRO verification |
Special considerations
For residents of the UK and Realms, the process is well-established and streamlined through online forms and the Anniversaries Office. However, there are a few important points to remember:
- No Charge: There is no charge from Buckingham Palace to arrange for a congratulatory message, though there may be a fee for obtaining copies of certificates from records offices.
- Belated Messages: If an application was missed, a belated message can be requested up to six months after the event.
- Format and Delivery: The message is a personalised card sent via Royal Mail to the celebrant's home address.
Conclusion
While the concept of a letter from the King is a venerable tradition, it is not a surprise that lands in the mailbox unsolicited. The eligibility is tied to specific and advanced ages—beginning at 100 for birthdays and 60 for wedding anniversaries—and requires a proactive application. This process ensures that these special messages are reserved for life's most remarkable and enduring milestones. For citizens of the UK and Commonwealth Realms who meet the age and nationality criteria, following the correct application procedure is the key to receiving this treasured piece of royal correspondence. For residents in some areas, the local Governor-General's office handles the process, highlighting the international scope of this royal tradition.
