Prince Philip is approaching his 100th birthday this June - finally making him a candidate to receive one of the Queen’s famous special letters.
- Prince Philip, who was admitted to hospital on Tuesday after feeling unwell, will celebrate his 100th birthday on June 10th.
- Royal fans are now wondering if the Duke of Edinburgh will receive one of the Queen's famous birthday cards, specially sent to those who reach the milestone age.
- In other Royal News, Meghan Markle's luxurious maternity hospital choices have been revealed.
Members of the British public who reach the age of 100 can apply for a personalized birthday message from Queen Elizabeth II, as part of a longstanding royal tradition.
The monarch sends her well wishes to centenarians with a portrait card of herself and a congratulatory note signed with her regal signature. Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders are also eligible to receive the letter.
As Prince Philip is her husband, it is likely the Queen will mark the occasion with a more personal letter. However, as the Duke of Edinburgh is known for his sharp humor, it’s quite possible that he will apply for one of the famous cards himself. The royal has never been shy about his disdain towards aging, having shared his feelings on getting older on numerous occasions.
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In 2011, Prince Philip revealed his declining condition with the witty one-liner, “Bits are beginning to drop off.” He also once said he couldn't 'imagine anything worse’ than turning 100. Still reluctant to reach the milestone age, the Duke has reportedly insisted he wants no fuss on the big day.
The letter-writing tradition started in 1917 by King George V, who began sending birthday cards to British citizens on their 100th birthday via telegrams. His brief message read, ‘His Majesty's hope that the blessings of good health and prosperity may attend you during the remainder of your days.' In the inaugural year of the gesture, King George sent off 24 birthday cards. With longer life expectancies and an increased population, that number today stands at over 7000 letters a year.
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