King sends the first telegrams of his reign to people celebrating their 100th birthday
Released: 7:24 PM EDT, Oct. 22, 2022 | Updated: 7:40 p.m. EDT, Oct. 22, 2022
King Charles has sent the first telegrams of his reign to people celebrating their 100th birthday.
In contrast to the late Queen’s telegrams to centenarians, which depicted her alone, King Charles’ cards show a relaxed-looking monarch smiling with the Queen Consort.
The message, signed by both “Charles R” and “Camilla R”, reads: “My wife and I are very pleased to know that you have celebrated your centenary. This brings our warmest congratulations and sincere good wishes on such a special occasion.’ The Rs stand for Rex – King – and Regina, Queen.
Irene Lloyd, of Lymm, Cheshire, was one of the first people to receive a 100th birthday card from Charles III and Queen Camilla
The card is signed by both ‘Charles R’ and ‘Camilla R’, the Rs stand for Rex – King – and Regina, Queen
Buckingham Palace approved the photo before the first telegrams were sent out from the Cabinet Office last week.
Irene Lloyd, from Lymm, Cheshire, celebrated her 100th birthday on September 25th and became one of the first recipients yesterday.
Ms Lloyd, who worked on a dairy farm during the Second World War, said: “I was really thrilled to receive a card from the new King and Queen. With the death of the late Queen, I thought people who were 100 at the time might have missed out, so it was a nice surprise to receive mine.
Her son and carer Ian Lloyd handed her the card when she arrived. Mr Lloyd, who is also a royal historian, said: “As we thought we were seeing a photo of an older man in a suit or at best a uniform, it was great to have a friendlier picture of the royal couple together.
In contrast to the late Queen’s telegrams to centenarians, which depicted her alone, King Charles’ cards show a relaxed-looking monarch smiling with the Queen Consort
“Prince Philip never appeared on the Queen’s cards and you have to go back to the war years when a monarch and his consort last sent pictures of themselves out of the palace to the public.”
Royal telegrams go to those marking the 100th and 105th birthdays, then everyone thereafter.
The monarch’s photo on the map is updated every five years.
King Charles’ cards are more similar to those of his grandfather, King George VI, which also featured his wife Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother.
