28-04-2023
The stamps illustrate the Coronation ceremony and the traditional street party, as well as some of the causes His Majesty has dedicated his years of public service to: cultural diversity and community; the global ties of the Commonwealth, which he now leads; and sustainability and biodiversity.
THE CORONATION
Representing the monarchy, continuity, longevity, heritage and tradition.
The stamp depicts the moment of coronation, with St Edward’s Crown being lowered onto His Majesty’s head by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King holds the Sceptre with Dove and the Sceptre with Cross and sits in the Coronation Chair. The scene is set in front of Westminster Abbey, with fireworks appearing above. In the background, a gun salute is being fired by a member of The King’s Troop, while crowds watch the ceremony and celebrate.
DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY
Reflecting a multi-faith community and the cultural diversity of contemporary British society.
The stamp features figures representing the Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist religions and is representative of all faiths and none. The background shows aspects of both rural and urban Britain and includes some of the many different places of worship that are found around the United Kingdom.
THE COMMONWEALTH
Depicting an outward-looking United Kingdom, global trade, cooperation, democracy and peace. The stamp features an imagined Commonwealth meeting, a representation of the Commonwealth Games, some of the flags of the Commonwealth nations, a scene depicting trade and commerce and a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery.
SUSTAINABILITY AND BIODIVERSITY
Highlighting the importance of conservation, biodiversity and a society that works with nature.
The stamp depicts natural landscapes alongside sustainable farming methods and features renewable sources of energy such as hydroelectric power and solar panels. Images of diverse forests, wildflower meadows and pollinating insects highlight the importance of wildlife conservation, while traditional crafts such as hedge-laying and beekeeping also feature prominently.
The stamps will be available to view, ahead of their general release, at the Postal Museum from today (28 April), as part of The King’s Stamp exhibition: The King's Stamp - The Postal Museum.
This is only the third time in history that Royal Mail has issued stamps to mark a Coronation. The previous two occasions were for King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
The stamps were designed by Atelier Works and feature newly commissioned wood engravings by British artist Andrew Davidson.
The Miniature Sheet background design, also featuring a newly commissioned wood engraving by Andrew Davidson, depicts intermingling foliage, symbolic of the four countries of the UK: the rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock.
Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail is proud to issue this set of commemorative stamps which celebrate the Coronation, and some of the causes which His Majesty has championed throughout his many years of public service. This is only the third time we have issued Coronation stamps and I am delighted that they mark the start of a new reign and a new chapter in our history.”
Royal Mail will also be applying a special postmark to stamped mail to mark the event. It will read:
Coronation of Their Majesties
King Charles III and Queen Camilla
6 May 2023
The postmark will run from Friday 28 April until Wednesday 10 May.
The stamps are available to pre-order from today (28 April) at www.royalmail.com/coronation, by telephone on 03457 641 641 and at 7,000 Post Office branches across the UK. A Presentation Pack including all four stamps in the set is priced at £7.50. The stamps go on general sale on 6 May 2023.
Source: Royal Mail