It’s tradition for members of the British public to receive a birthday card from the monarch when they turn 100, but one lucky woman got an even more special gift.
Rona Grafton was treated to a rare in-person greeting from King Charles III on her 100th birthday on Thursday, February 13.
Charles, 76, presented her with a birthday card during his visit to Middlesbrough, England. In a video, posted via social media by the Daily Mail’s royal editor, Rebecca English, Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, approached Grafton during a walkabout.
Charles can be seen shaking Grafton’s hand and presenting her with a card before asking which day her birthday was.
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“Today!” he repeated excitedly.
The meeting with Charles was a complete surprise to Grafton, according to BBC News, which reported that the visit was arranged by the local council and Buckingham Palace.
The tradition of sending 100th birthday cards dates back to 1917, when King George V first sent telegrams to centenarians.
According to the U.K. government’s official website, members of the British public can receive cards from the king and queen to celebrate their 100th and 105th birthdays, as well as each year following.
Additionally, couples celebrating their 60th, 65th, and 70th anniversaries (and each year following) are also entitled to a special card.
Around 1.3 million birthday cards were sent to people in the U.K., the Realms and overseas territories during Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, People reported.
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Meanwhile, Camilla tested out her table-tennis skills during the visit on Thursday.
The queen was photographed playing with Alesha Hussain, 15, and Kaleb Autsun, 14.
“She was good, I didn’t know she liked table tennis,” Alesha told BBC News.
Kaleb told the outlet, “It was nice, that was a new experience because I’ve never seen any of the royal family before.”
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