Burgess Hill couple receive card from the Queen on day she died

Terry, 83, and Joe, 85, Wilkins, from Burgess Hill, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a takeaway with their family on Thursday.

Just half an hour before, the news of Her Majesty's death broke across the country.

Little did they know that the day before, a card had been sent from the Queen  congratulating them on their six decades of marriage. 

Their daughter Claudine Phillips described the coincidence as “bitter sweet” in the wake of the news. 

Speaking to The Argus on Friday Claudine, 53, said: “It was my son’s 17th birthday as well so we had a big family takeaway planned for 7pm, we’re having a party on Saturday as well. 

Terry and Joe Wilkins on their anniversary. Photo: Claudine Phillips (Image: Claudine Phillips)

“Of course the announcement came in at 6.30pm and we had the card sitting on the table, my mum and dad didn’t know anything about it.

“It was really bizarre to be honest, we were celebrating something so enormous but then half an hour before we heard the sad announcement, I can’t even explain it was very very strange.

“My mum cried when she opened the card, she was so shocked.”

Claudine’s nephew had organised for the card to be sent, by sending off their marriage certificate and various other credentials. 

Due to the postal strikes the family had been concerned that it may not arrive on time.

The card signed by Her Majesty. Photo: Claudine Phillips (Image: Claudine Phillips)

Claudine, who travelled from Dubai for the celebrations, said: “We had prepared the table with all the presents earlier that day ready for the meal and it was there with the rest of the cards. 

“It was almost eerie, how many people got a card from Her Royal Highness signed by her, just half an hour after the announcement that she had passed away?

“It was a little overwhelming to be honest, to have that affinity on that day. I think we’re going to get a photograph of Her Majesty framed for the party for the table now, it seems fitting.

“It’s going to be on everyone’s minds, everyone tomorrow will be talking about it, she touched everyone’s hearts. So it feels like the right thing to do.”