There were surprise celebrations on the socials from the Royal Family as one member marked their birthday.

As Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence turned 70, there were some very special wishes for him.

The official social media channels of the Royal Family shared some unseen images of the Vice Admiral and his wife, the Princess Royal, as the big day dawned.

It’s a rare mention for Sir Tim who isn’t an official working member of the Royal Family although he accompanies Princess Anne on some engagements and has a range of patronages and causes that he has long supported.

In a simple message, the Royal Family got straight to the point and said ”Wishing a Happy 70th Birthday to Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence!” He even got a cake emoji.

The Royal Family has been somewhat select in how it marks birthdays in the Windsor clan. The public messages of celebration are usually kept for working members of the family or are used for milestone birthdays such as turning 70.

Sir Tim was born on March 1 1955 and served in the Royal Navy. He became an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II in 1986. He married Princess Anne in 1992 in a small ceremony in Scotland. The couple celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary last December.