Applying for an anniversary or birthday message
Each year, thousands of birthday and wedding anniversary cards are sent on behalf of HM The Queen to people celebrating significant birthdays and wedding anniversaries.
The delivery of these messages is arranged by the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace, continuing a tradition which goes back to 1917.
Cards are sent to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter, and to those celebrating their Diamond wedding (60th), Blue Sapphire (65th), Platinum (70th) wedding anniversaries and every year thereafter.
Select a link below to find out how to apply for a birthday and wedding anniversary cards. We would also be delighted to arrange personal greetings from the Lord-Lieutenant and a visit from the Lieutenancy Team.
Apply for a Birthday Message
Birthday messages from The Queen are sent to those celebrating their 100th and 105th birthday and every year thereafter. The Queen's congratulatory messages consist of a card containing a personalised message and come in a special envelope.
The Department for Work and Pensions organises birthday messages. The Centenarian Team at DWP will automatically notify the Anniversaries Office at Buckingham Palace of those approaching their birthday, to ensure everyone in receipt of a state pension receives a message.
You can apply to get a free birthday message from the Queen for a British national. Click to check who is eligible as a British national.
You can apply up to:
-
3 weeks before the birthday, or 5 weeks before if you apply online
-
6 months afterwards, for a belated message
You can get a message for someone’s:
-
100th birthday
-
105th birthday
-
birthday each year following their 105th
You can apply online
OR
download a PDF of the application form and apply by post:
Download a birthday message application form
If you require assistance, please contact the Lieutenancy Team. We will be delighted to help you.
Please note that it may take longer than usual for you to get an anniversary message because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Apply for an Anniversary Message
Anniversary messages from The Queen are sent to those celebrating their 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversary and every year thereafter. The Queen's congratulatory messages consist of a card containing a personalised message and come in a special envelope.
To make sure that a message is sent for wedding anniversaries, an application needs to be made by a relative or friend in advance of the special day.
You can apply to get a free anniversary message from the Queen for a couple if at least one of them is a British national. Click to check who is eligible as a British national.
You can get a message for a couple's:
-
60th (diamond) anniversary
-
65th anniversary
-
70th (platinum) anniversary
-
anniversary each year following their 70th anniversary
You can apply:
-
no earlier than 3 weeks before the anniversary date, or 5 weeks before if you apply online
-
up to 6 months after for a belated message
You can apply online
OR
download a PDF of the application form and apply by post:
Download a wedding anniversary message application form
If you require assistance, please contact the Lieutenancy Team. We will be delighted to help you.
Please note that it may take longer than usual for you to get an anniversary message because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Personal greetings and visits from the Lord-Lieutenant
The Lord-Lieutenant, Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants are always delighted to visit Banffshire recipients of Birthday and Anniversary messages on their special day.
A Lieutenancy Birthday or Anniversary card and flowers can be arranged. You may wish to have photographs to mark the occasion, and an article in the local press.
Please contact the Lieutenancy Team to arrange a Birthday or Anniversary visit.
Please note that current COVID-19 restrictions will be observed during visits.