WWII veterans among recipients of King and Queen Consort's first birthday cards

Second World War veterans are among the recipients of the very first birthday cards from the King and Queen Consort.

Hundreds of the cards have been delivered to people celebrating their 100th and 105th birthdays across the UK.

Veterans to receive the monarch's congratulations include centenarian Ruth Park-Pearson, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS).

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Ruth marked the occasion surrounded by many of her six children, 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, in North Yorkshire.

The tradition of cards from the monarch dates back to 1917 and the reign of King George V when His Majesty sent those celebrating their 100th birthday or 60th wedding anniversary his good wishes.

Thousands of birthday and wedding anniversary cards are sent from Buckingham Palace every year.

Around 1.3 million cards were sent to mark birthdays and anniversaries during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.