Royal Mail has revealed a collection of 12 special stamps honouring the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, with the anniversary falling on April 21, 2026 when she would have reached 100 years old.
Pre-orders for the commemorative set opened today via the Royal Mail website and telephone ordering, with general availability beginning on the anniversary date itself.
The postal service unveiled images of the stamps ahead of what promises to be a significant occasion for remembering Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
A series of royal events is planned around the late Queen’s birthday to mark the milestone.
Queen Elizabeth | Source: LEFT: JACK HILL/WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES. RIGHT: RANALD MACKECHNIE, CAMERA PRESS LONDON
The principal set comprises eight stamps showcasing photographs from significant moments throughout the late Queen’s life, spanning from her earliest years through to the final period of her reign.
Among the images captured is her appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the 1953 Coronation ceremony.
Another stamp depicts the then 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth delivering her inaugural radio broadcast in 1940, during World War Two.
The collection traces her journey from childhood through seven decades on the throne, during which she witnessed extraordinary global transformation and surpassed Queen Victoria’s record as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
Queen stamps | Source: ROYAL MAIL
The remaining four stamps form a miniature sheet dedicated to the late Queen’s well-known devotion to horses and dogs, featuring images of her alongside pets and thoroughbreds at various stages throughout her life.
David Gold, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, said: “With these special stamps, we pay tribute to the late Queen, whose commitment to duty was unparalleled in history.
“The stamps tell the remarkable story of a very public life of dedicated service, and a more private passion for dogs and horses, about which Her Majesty was a renowned expert.”
Her expertise in equine matters was widely recognised during her lifetime.
Queen | Source: TIM GRAHAM PHOTO LIBRARY VIA GETTY IMAGES
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Queen stamp | Source: LEFT: MARCUS ADAMS © ROYAL COLLECTION ENTERPRISES LTD 2026/ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST. RIGHT: LISA SHERIDAN/STUDIO LISA/HULTON ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96, having served as sovereign for seven decades.
Born in the aftermath of World War One, she was never originally destined for the throne but went on to fulfil her pledge of service to the nation and Commonwealth, earning respect from world leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
Throughout her reign, her image appeared on every British stamp, becoming instantly recognisable to the public.
The complete presentation pack containing all 12 stamps is priced at £22.50, with additional collectable products also available for purchase.
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