Final Christmas stamps to feature late Queen issued
Each stamp also bears a barcode, which customers can scan via the Royal Mail app to watch a festive video of Shaun the Sheep
Last updated 3rd Nov 2022
Royal Mail has released a Christmas stamp collection featuring the Queen's silhouette for the last time.
The set of six Art Deco-style stamps focus on key moments from the Nativity and each bears an outline of the late monarch, for the last time after more than 50 years.
Designed by Arnold Machin, the distinctive silhouette of the Queen's profile facing left and wearing the Diamond Diadem has appeared on festive stamps since 1967, according to the Postal Museum.
Royal Mail's colourful Christmas 2022 first and second-class stamp collection was designed by Kent-based artist Katie Ponder.
They depict key images from the Nativity story, including the journey to Bethlehem and the Magi being guided by the star.
Each stamp also bears a barcode, which customers can scan via the Royal Mail app to watch a festive video of Shaun the Sheep, created by Aardman Studios.
Royal Mail policy director David Gold said: "Our Christmas stamp issue is always much anticipated, and it is one we particularly look forward to.
"The charming style of these designs sets the perfect tone for the festive season."
Royal Mail also worked on the collection with The Reverend Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James's Church in Piccadilly, central London.
Post offices have urged people posting Christmas cards this year to send them early - by December 19 for parcels using second-class stamps, and by December 21 for those sent first-class.
While it is the last time the Queen's silhouette will feature on a Christmas collection, there are stamps to be issued over the coming months that she approved which will still display her silhouette.
Queen Elizabeth II through the years:
Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth with the new born Princess Elizabeth
Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) was born on 21st April 1926 in Mayfair, London.
Queen Elizabeth II as a baby
In October 1926 this rare photo of the young Princess Elizabeth was released.
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Princess Elizabeth walking a Corgi in London's Hyde Park.
Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth enjoyed acting when they were younger
Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth act in the pantomime of Cinderella at Windsor Castle.
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret gave a radio broadcast
On 10th October 1940 Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret made a broadcast to the children of the Empire during World War II.
Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh on their wedding day
Princess Elizabeth, and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh on their wedding day, 20th November 1947.
Princess Elizabeth poses with her newborn Prince Charles
Prince Charles was Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh's first child, born on 14th November 1948.
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
The newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth II waves to the crowd from the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Her children Prince Charles and Princess Anne stood with her. The coronation took place on 2nd June 1953.
Queen Elizabeth II presents the Jules Rimet trophy to Bobby Moore
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Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Silver Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by crowds in London during celebrations of her Silver Jubilee on 7th June 1977.
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Golden Jubilee
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Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II greets schoolchildren in Victoria Square during her Diamond Jubilee visit to Birmingham in 2012.
The Queen celebrated her 90th birthday in 2016
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Sapphire Jubilee celebrations in 2017
In 2017, the Queen became the first monarch to celebrate their Sapphire Jubilee. It was marked by a 62 round royal gun salute from the Gun Wharf outside the Tower of London with Tower Bridge.
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Queen Elizabeth sadly passed away on September 8th 2022 in Balmoral Castle. Royal Family members such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex reportedly travelled to Balmoral after Queen was placed under medical supervision earlier that day. Her funeral is due to take place on September 19th.