Centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth marked by 12 Royal Mail stamps

The centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth will be marked by 12 Royal Mail stamps celebrating her life and passions.

The main set of eight stamps features photographs from milestone moments in the late Queen’s life, from her 1953 coronation balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace to delivering her first radio broadcast in 1940 aged 14.

Elizabeth’s love of horses and dogs is represented by four stamps in a miniature sheet, showing her at stages in her life with pets or thoroughbreds.

A presentation pack including all 12 stamps costs £22.50.

David Gold, the Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, said: “With these special stamps, we pay tribute to the late Queen, whose commitment to duty was unparalleled in history.

“The stamps tell the remarkable story of a very public life of dedicated service, and a more private passion for dogs and horses, about which Her Majesty was a renowned expert.”

The late Queen was an ever-present feature on British stamps during her 70-year reign with her image well-known to the public and her likeness also used on stamps marking royal events and anniversaries.

Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral home aged 96 on September 8 2022, after serving as sovereign for 70 years – the nation’s longest reigning monarch – and was mourned by her family and friends and remembered by the nation.

For the woman who was never meant to be sovereign, the Queen fulfilled her pledge to serve the nation and Commonwealth and came to earn the respect of many – from world leaders to the public.

The late Queen’s life will be remembered during a series of royal events held around her birthday – April 21 – the date she would have turned 100.

Charles has reportedly written a speech that will commemorate the 70-year reign of his mother and highlight her legacy and service.

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from April 14 from the Royal Mail website before going on general sale from April 21.