LONDON Dec. 30 (People's Daily Online) —— British Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates a total of 13,780 people are aged 100 or more in the UK. It compares with 8,060 centenarians in 2003.

UK gorvenment traces those about to have their 100th, 105th and each birthday afterwards forwarded details of 7,517 people on to the Palace to issue a Centenarian card this year. More families and those living abroad may have approached the Palace directly.

Most recent estimates show the 797,000 babies less than 1 year old living in the UK in 2013 are expected to live until their 100th birthday in 2113.

Centenarian team leader Margaret Wilberforce-Eke said: “Every day we help families mark amazing celebrations. Reaching 100 might be becoming more common, but it is still very special for all those involved.

It is a privilege to be involved in just a small part of these birthdays – but we hear back that receiving a card is the perfect finishing touch for a great day.”