King Charles and Queen Camilla have kept the royal tradition of celebrating U.K. residents turning 100 with a special birthday card — but rarely do they hand deliver!

Rona Grafton was treated to the rare occasion during the royal couple’s away day in Middlesbrough on Feb. 13. King Charles, 76, handed Grafton the birthday card in an envelope and shook her hand, telling her, “A very, very happy birthday,” as seen in a video shared on X by royal reporter Rebecca English.

Queen Camilla, 77, also offered her congratulations, saying, “A very happy birthday.”

King Charles also confirmed when the occasion was, excitedly raising his hands and repeating, “Today!”

King Charles and Queen Camilla present Rona Grafton with a 100th birthday card on Feb. 13, 2025.

Chris Jackson/Getty 

According to the U.K. government, residents can receive special messages from the monarch for milestone occasions including birthdays (for the 100th and 105th birthdays, then every year after) and anniversaries (60th, 65th, 70th and every anniversary each year following that).

The custom dates back to 1917 when King George V began sending telegrams to centenarians. During Queen Elizabeth‘s reign, approximately 1.3 million cards were sent to mark birthdays and anniversaries across the U.K., the Realms and the overseas territories, per Buckingham Palace.

King Charles and Queen Camilla present Rona Grafton with a 100th birthday card on Feb. 13, 2025.

Chris Jackson/Getty 

King Charles continued the tradition shortly after his accession, sending the first round of birthday cards from the palace shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. The cards feature a portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla along with a short note and their signatures.

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Although the cards are usually sent by mail, Grafton isn’t the first person to have her birthday message hand-delivered by the monarch himself. In May 2024, D-Day veteran Jim Miller received his card from King Charles during a visit to Buckingham Palace.

Veteran Jim Miller and King Charles at Buckingham Palace on May 22, 2024.

Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty