Royal Mail has unveiled a new set of commemorative stamps marking what would have been the 100th birthday of Elizabeth II, celebrating her life and decades of public service.
The collection, comprising eight stamps, traces key moments from the late monarch’s life and is scheduled for release on April 21, according to the British postal service. Among the images featured is a photograph of Princess Elizabeth at the age of six, taken in July 1932 by Marcus Adams.
Adams, a renowned British photographer who specialised in child portraits, took numerous official photographs of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family from 1926 to 1956. He documented her life from infancy through her ascension to the throne and as a mother.
Other stamps highlight major milestones, including her coronation in 1953, a 1961 visit to India, and her first radio broadcast in 1940 at age 14. Scenes from Trooping the Colour in the 1970s are also included, alongside more recent images such as her attendance at the 2021 G7 Summit and a portrait issued for her Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The release briefly revives a decades-long tradition of featuring the Queen’s image on UK postage. This practice spanned her 70-year reign and appeared on both everyday stamps and those marking significant national events. It also cemented her status as one of the most widely collected figures in global philately.
In addition to the main set, a miniature sheet has been produced to reflect the monarch’s personal interests, particularly her well-known affection for horses and dogs. The images include scenes from royal residences at Balmoral and Sandringham.
David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy at Royal Mail, said the collection honours a “remarkable story of a very public life of dedicated service” while also highlighting the Queen’s private passions, describing her expertise with animals as widely recognised.
