A 93-year-old care home resident and her husband have received an anniversary card from King Charles III.

Mary Johnston and her husband Edward celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary last month, with the help of her carers at Bupa's Allington Court Care Home.

The pair tied the knot at St Mary’s Church, in Winterton, in 1952.

Edward surprised Mary by visiting her care home with flowers and a card from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

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Homemade tea and cakes were prepared by the care home, which Edward has visited as often as possible, after Mary moved there in September last year.

The couple met on Bonfire Night in 1947, when Mary worked as a nurse in the baby unit of the local hospital and Edward worked for the National Service.

After his National Service ended, the duo moved to Harpenden to to start a family.

They share three children and six grandchildren.

Herts Advertiser: Mary 'absolutely loves the Royal family'.Mary 'absolutely loves the Royal family'. (Image: McCann Manchester)

Mary worked at St Albans hospital until her retirement.

She is now described as "a very sociable lady" who enjoys spending time in the care home's gardens.

Speaking of their anniversary celebrations, Mary said: "I had a lovely day with Edward, we got to enjoy some cake while chatting away about years gone by.

"When he showed me the card from the King, I was quite overwhelmed, I may have even shed a few tears of joy.

                                                                                            

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"I absolutely love the royal family, so it was a touching addition to the day."

April Parrott-Carter, home manager at Allington Court Care Home, said: "Mary is such a well-loved character at Allington Court, and her face always lights up when Edward comes to visit her.

"They have an incredible relationship, and with 71 years of marriage under their belt, our generation has much to learn from them.

"We love hearing stories from their past.

"We were honoured to have helped them celebrate yet another amazing year of marriage together.”

Asked what the secret is to a long and happy marriage, Mary replied: "We have always loved, cared and respected each other.”