Royal Mail has released a special edition collection of stamps to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's centenary. The collection includes 12 stamps, with a main set of eight that commemorate the life and work of the late Queen and feature photographs from throughout her life. A further four stamps in a miniature sheet reflect Queen Elizabeth II's lifelong love of horses and dogs. The stamps were unveiled ahead of the anniversary on 21 April. According to a Royal Mail representative, the stamps pay tribute to the late Queen's dedication and tell the story of her public service and private passions for dogs and horses. The exact designs of the four stamps in the miniature sheet and the specific photographs featured on the eight main stamps have not been disclosed.
Queen Elizabeth II's reign was marked by significant historical milestones, including breaking the reigning record of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. Every stamp created during her reign featured an image of her, a tradition that underscored her long-standing presence in public life. This stamp tradition became a hallmark of her 70-year reign, which spanned from 1952 to 2022.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will lead commemorations for Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday later this month. On Monday, April 20, they will visit the new Royal Collection Trust exhibition, 'Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style', at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. This exhibition is the biggest-ever exhibition of Elizabeth II's fashion and is open until October. The royal visit to the exhibition is part of a series of events honoring the late Queen's legacy.
On Tuesday, April 21, King Charles will deliver a speech to the nation to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's life and legacy. He is expected to convey that Queen Elizabeth II was an inspiration to him personally and to the rest of the royal family. The exact content of King Charles's speech on April 21 has not been revealed. The speech will be broadcast nationally as part of the centenary commemorations.