Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court centenarian celebrates 105th birthday with a party and TV visit

Above: Resident Ron spends time with his great-grandchildren while photographers capture the moment. 

A Braintree care home resident has marked an extraordinary milestone after celebrating his 105th birthday surrounded by family, friends and national media attention.

Ron Thompson, who lives at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree (Essex), has enjoyed a weekend of festivities culminating in visits from both ITV and BBC News, who came to film and interview him. Despite the excitement, the birthday star remained characteristically modest, joking:

I don’t know what all the fuss is about.

Celebrations included a family party at a nearby golf club, where Ron toasted the occasion with red wine and chocolates while greeting his great-grandchildren with hugs, kisses and his trademark wit. Staff at the Home describe him as a much-loved resident who brings joy to everyone around him, while his family call him the rock of generations of gatherings and celebrations.

A lifetime of outstanding achievements

To mark his 105th birthday, Ron received cards from across the country, including the International Bomber Command Centre and a treasured message from His Majesty The King. The royal card now sits proudly in his room alongside previous messages from the late Queen, sent for his 100th birthday and 60th wedding anniversary. Over his lifetime, Ron has lived through the reigns of four Kings and one Queen.

A birthday card from The King and Queen Consort stands next to Ron’s medals.

The celebrations also recognised another remarkable achievement: Ron was presented with a framed certificate honouring both his birthday and his 78 years of Freemasonry. He is believed to be the oldest Freemason in the world, a title he holds with pride.

Asked about the secret to his long life, Ron laughed that he would never reveal it “or everyone would catch him up,” before admitting a fondness for red wine may have helped.

His daughter-in-law Lorraine credits his longevity to his outlook on life. She says:

Ron is a positive, stoic and glass-half-full kind of person. He also stays mentally and physically active through Freemasonry and local clubs.

Ron also shared a remarkable story from his youth. At 18, while working as a photographer assigned to capture portraits of London MPs, he realised he didn’t have enough rationed bulbs to complete the job. One MP (a man called Winston Churchill) stepped in, rallied the group and moved the session outdoors so Ron could finish using natural light.

Ron’s affable nature

The birthday weekend included a touching visit from Alfie, a pupil from a local primary school who first met Ron during a Christmas visit with his class. Remembering their conversation months later, Alfie asked to return for Ron’s birthday, bringing his favourite red wine and a handmade card, which Ron now proudly keeps with him. Staff say Ron has always had a special bond with children, and the gesture deeply moved him.

Activities Coordinator Sophie George says the weekend was filled with joy, laughter and pride. She adds:

It has been a truly unforgettable celebration. Ron is such an important part of Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, and seeing him surrounded by love from his family, friends and the wider community has been incredibly special.

The management team at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court says Ron’s milestone birthday is a testament to a life filled with warmth, humour and connection, and a celebration the whole Home will treasure.

Resident Ron celebrates his birthday at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Braintree, with the Home’s management team.

[Summary: A Braintree care home resident, Ron, has celebrated his 105th birthday with family, friends and national media attention, marking the occasion with a party and a message from His Majesty The King. A much-loved resident at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, Ron is believed to be the world’s oldest Freemason and is admired for his wit, warmth and positive outlook on life.]