Royal Mail assures: stamps with queen's image to remain valid

A tribute in the form of 1st class stamps bearing the image of Queen Elizabeth II is pictured stuck to railings outside of Buckingham Palace in London on Sept 9, a day after The Queen died at the age of 96. Photo: AFP

Stamps bearing the image of Queen Elizabeth II will remain valid following her death, Britain's Royal Mail announced on Friday.

Special stamps already announced will still be issued, although there may be changes to when they are launched.

A Royal Mail statement read: "Following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Mail has confirmed that stamps bearing the image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II remain valid for use.

"These include definitive stamps - regular 'everyday' stamps - and special stamps.

"As previously announced, following the introduction of barcodes to everyday stamps, these stamps remain valid until the end of January 2023.

"All special stamps that have already been announced will be issued, although the launch dates of some may change.

"In line with past practice. following the death of a monarch all existing post boxes will remain unchanged.

"Post boxes already in production or being prepared for installation will also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II."

The company said a gallery of stamps featuring the queen is available on its website. The statement added: "No further announcements on stamps will be made before the funeral, and then only at the appropriate time, after consultation with Buckingham Palace."

The Royal Mint said it could not give information at this time, when asked about the possible production of new coins.

It had issued a statement on Thursday in which Anne Jessopp, chief executive officer at the Royal Mint, said: "On behalf of everyone at the Royal Mint, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the royal family at this extraordinarily sad time.

"Queen Elizabeth II ruled with heart and devotion, and will be dearly missed by all of us at the Royal Mint and by millions of people around the world.

"The Royal Mint worked with her late majesty throughout her reign - detailing her journey from new Queen to respected head of state across five coin portraits, and ensuring each new UK coin received her personal seal of approval.

"The remarkable legacy of Britain's longest serving monarch will live on for many years to come." - dpa