Each of the six beautiful stamps represents a key event and aspect of Her Majesty's reign, as well as her personal life and interests; with the inclusion of a stamp on leisure. The issue title is an extract from the Queen's speech during her first overseas tour in 1947. Addressing the Commonwealth on her 21st birthday, the Queen said: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."
The issue has been produced in partnership with Tim Underwood, who has co-ordinated the participation of several countries’ stamps. Other nations to release issues on this topic are; Ascension Island, Bahamas, British Antarctic Territory, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Gibraltar, Guernsey, and Jersey.
The Story of the Stamps
The imagery of the stamps journeys through Her Majesty’s life; 69 years of which she has spent as the Queen, dedicating herself to the Crown and the service of her realm.
Young Princess: Picturing Elizabeth studying as a teenager, this image portrays the princess before she succeeded her father King George VI.
Coronation: The coronation portrait featured was taken at Westminster Abbey in June 1953 and represents the accession of Elizabeth II. A key moment in her reign, the newly crowned Queen is pictured sporting the Crown Jewels for the very first time as HM Queen.
Marriage: Symbolising the Queen’s marriage to the Duke of Edinburgh; the longest ever marriage of any British monarch, they are shown on the estate at Balmoral Castle, Scotland during the royal family's annual summer holiday, 22nd August 1972.
Leisure: Sharing a personable aspect of Her Majesty, this stamp displays the Queen aside from her royal duties.
Pageantry: Referring to the iconic, colourful and often ceremonial events hosted by the Queen, she is pictured wearing the State Diadem tiara. This is the same crown shown on the Machin Queen’s head used on stamps and bank notes.
Royal Duty: Referring to Her Majesty’s commitment to her service, this stamp represents the undertaking of her royal duties.
