Four new stamps and a special postmark are being issued to mark the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, with the stamps embracing causes close to the king’s heart.
Presented in a miniature sheet, it is only the third occasion in history that Royal Mail has issued coronation stamps, the previous two being for George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.
The four stamps depict: the coronation, diversity and community, the Commonwealth, and sustainability.
The coronation stamp depicts the moment when the St Edward’s crown is lowered on to the king’s head as he sits in the Coronation Chair holding the Sceptre with Dove, representing his spiritual role, and Sceptre with Cross, representing his temporal power and associated with good governance. The scene is set in front of Westminster Abbey, with fireworks above, and a gun salute in the background, while celebrating crowds attend a street party and watch the ceremony on a giant screen.
The diversity and community stamp, reflecting the multi-faith community and cultural diversity of Britain, 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 rural and urban Britain including many places of worship.
The Commonwealth stamp reflects the themes of global trade, cooperation, democracy and peace. Images include an imagined Commonwealth meeting, a representation of the Commonwealth Games, some flags of Commonwealth nations and a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery.
The sustainability and biodiversity 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 were designed by Atelier Works and feature newly commissioned wood engravings by the British artist Andrew Davidson.
The miniature sheet background design, also featuring a newly commissioned wood engraving by Davidson, depicts intermingling foliage, symbolic of the four countries of the UK: the rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock.
Simon Thompson, the 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 from 28 April to 10 May, to mark the event, which reads: Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla 6 May 2023.
The stamps are available to pre-order from Friday 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.
