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Royal Mail has unveiled four new stamps which are to be released in memory of the Queen.
The black and white portrait stamps of Queen Elizabeth II are the first stamps to have been approved by the new monarch King Charles III and feature images of his mother which were first used in the 2002 Golden Jubilee stamp issue.
The photographs, taken between 1952 and 1996, will be released in a special commemorative presentation pack when they go on sale in November.
None of the stamps in the commemorative issue include the silhouette of The Queen, which is normally required on special stamps, and this is because The Queen’s image is used in the design of the stamp and therefore removes the need for the silhouette to denote the country of origin.
Simon Thompson, CEO, Royal Mail said: “For the past seventy years every British stamp has been personally approved by Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Today we are unveiling these stamps, the first to be approved by His Majesty The King, in tribute to a woman whose commitment to public service and duty was unparalleled in the history of this country."
For the last week the Royal Family has remained in a seven-day period of mourning for the Queen, since her state funeral last Monday, but its households and staff as well as normal duties are expected to resume from today.
While the stamps don't go on general sale until November 10, collectors keen to reserve their items can do so now and pre-order through the Royal Mail website.
A Presentation Pack, containing all four of the new stamps, will cost £6.95.