Prince George Duke of Kent Court resident celebrates 100th birthday among friends

A resident at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 100^th birthday.

To mark the special milestone, resident Eileen enjoyed a celebration with her family, fellow residents and staff at the Home. Eileen received a cake, flowers and a card from King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla. Her family brought a buffet along with bubbly, and she enjoyed a video call with two of her grandchildren, who were skiing abroad.

Eileen was born on 7 April 1923. She grew up in Islington, London, where her parents had a shop in Camden Passage, selling various baby items. Eileen later took over the family business when her parents retired.

When World War II broke out, Eileen went to work in the Land Army in marketing gardening in Sudbury, growing and tending to crops to help feed the nation. Her brother was stationed in Coventry, living in digs with a family. On a visit to see him, Eileen met her future husband, John, who was the son of the family her brother was living with.

The couple married in 1946 and went on to have two children, Roger and Valerie, and today, Eileen has four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In her younger days, Eileen enjoyed cycling and playing tennis. Nowadays, she still keeps active, joining in all the Home’s activities and socialising with friends at Prince George Duke of Kent Court. She also likes sewing and knitting.

Resident Eileen Friend on her wedding day to husband John

Her secret to having a long and happy life? Eileen simply says:

It’s just luck.

She also says,

having a nice family helps

and encourages people to be

happy and content in life.

[Summary: Eileen, a resident at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has celebrated her 100^th birthday. She enjoyed a celebration with her family, fellow residents and staff at the Home.]