Royal Mail Announces Special Stamps Honouring Queen Elizabeth II
The Royal Mail has revealed a new collection of commemorative stamps dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II. These special stamps are now available for pre-order, with a full release scheduled for 21 April 2026, marking the centenary of her birth.
Stamps and Collectibles Available for Pre-Order
In a recent announcement on social media, Royal Mail stated, "We've announced today special stamps commemorating the life and work of the late Queen Elizabeth II with these stunning Stamps & Collectibles." The collection includes a variety of items, detailed on the Royal Mail website, ranging in price from £4.25 for a 'Centenary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II First Day Cover Prestige Stamp Book with Tallents House Postmark' to higher-priced editions like a 'Centenary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II Gold Coin Cover'.
The £4.25 item features a unique pane of definitive stamps from the Prestige Stamp Book, affixed to a special-edition envelope that can be personalised with a name and address on the first day of issue. Meanwhile, the gold coin cover includes a 22-carat gold £5 coin from the Royal Mint, presented in a proof finish and limited-edition souvenir format.
Background on Royal Mail Pricing Changes
This launch follows a recent price increase by Royal Mail, where first-class stamps rose by 10p to £1.80, effective from Tuesday, 7 April. Richard Travers, Royal Mail's managing director of letters, commented on the adjustment, saying, "We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail." He noted that UK adults now spend an average of £6.50 annually on stamps, with letter volumes decreasing by 70% over the past two decades, while delivery addresses have increased by four million to 32 million across the UK.
All commemorative items will be available starting 21 April, offering collectors and the public a chance to honour Queen Elizabeth II's enduring impact through these specially designed stamps and collectibles.
