Centenarian Muriel Walton was delighted when a telegram from the Queen came through her letterbox on Wednesday.
But the 100-year-old was a little disappointed with the content.
Not with Her Majesty's birthday wishes however, but with the lack of money in it.
Like a teenager shaking a birthday card for cash, Muriel said after receiving the iconic letter: "I would much rather had a cheque".
All was not lost for the Woodlands Road resident though, because she spent the big day making up for the lack of birthday cash at her favourite haunt - Gala bingo.
The great grandmother of six, who regularly attends the bingo hall in Station Road, Harrow, was surprised by her friends who brought out a cake and presents for her on the day.
Speaking after the hundredth rendition of happy birthday, Muriel said: "It was really nice for everyone to go to so much effort, it was great.
"I had a party on Saturday too and it was the first time in 12 years that all my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were in the same room together. It was absolutely brilliant."
So what is Muriel's secret to a long life?
"I don't know what the key to making 100 is, you'll have to ask the man upstairs, but I guess being active as often as I can has helped," she said.
"I hate staying indoors. Up until I broke my leg a few years ago I would get on the bus to Brent Cross, go out for something to eat - anything to get out. In fact, just seven years ago I went to Los Angeles for a couple of weeks for my cousin's golden wedding anniversary and I don't think I sat down for two minutes, there was so much to do."
And she hasn't had to avoid certain vices either.
She added: "It's not like I don't drink or smoke or anything. The very first time I smoked was on my wedding day in 1936. From then on I smoked about 20 a day until I was 95."
As an additional birthday present Gala bingo presented Muriel 100 free days of bingo.