Got a mega-milestone birthday or anniversary coming up? Here's how you can get your letter from King Charles III himself

Sky News AU

23-05-2025

If you or someone you love is set to celebrate their 100th birthday, or even a significant anniversary, why not celebrate with a letter from the King?
Since 1917, when King George V started the tradition with a telegram, royal messages have become a staple of major life moments across the UK and the Commonwealth.
During the late Queen Elizabeth II's record-breaking reign, more than 1.3 million royal cards were sent out.
Now, His Majesty the King is carrying the torch, and thanks to the digital age it's never been easier to get your hands on one. What You Can Get:
If you're an Aussie, you can nab messages from the King and the Governor-General, the Honourable Sam Mostyn, to mark:
• 50th wedding anniversaries (Governor-General only)
• 60th (Diamond), 65th, 70th (Platinum) anniversaries- and every year thereafter
• 100th, 105th birthdays- and every year thereafter. How to Apply: Get Your Docs Together: You'll need something official to prove the milestone, like a birth or marriage certificate, a passport, or a statutory declaration (available online or at the post office, or online via the Attorney-General's Department). Contact Your MP or Senator: They'll take care of getting the request in. Need help finding your rep? Just punch in your postcode here. Delivery of messages:
Anniversary messages will be delivered directly to the recipient. If you require an alternative delivery arrangement, please note the circumstances on the application form. Timing Is Everything
The Royal Mail doesn't move at lightning speed. Try to lodge your request at least two months in advance.
If you're running late, the Governor-General's office says they'll do their best- but no promises. Missed a milestone?
Good news: you can still request a message up to six months after the birthday or wedding.
Or, you can always try next year!
Right now, the title of Australia's oldest living person belongs to 111-year-old Kenneth 'Ken' Weeks- meaning he's racked up at least seven letters from the King so far.
Born on October 5, 1913, just before the outbreak of World War I, Mr Weeks lives in an aged care facility in Grafton, New South Wales.
Remarkably, he didn't move in until he was 104.
A familiar face in the Grafton community for decades, Mr Weeks has always kept busy.
According to Mr Weeks, he has "no regrets in life" and told The Daily Examiner "hard work" is the most important key to a long and happy life.
He'll celebrate his 112th birthday this October with son Ian and his grandchildren.