King Charles’ Coronation Stamps Depict Four Special Causes Close To His Heart

The Royal Mail has unveiled four new stamps and a special postmark ahead of King Charles III’s coronation, marking only the third time in the organization’s history that such stamps have been issued.

According to The Guardian, prior to this, coronation stamps had only been released to commemorate King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronations. Now, the newly-appointed King Charles III will get his own, exclusive set too.

The quad of designs depicts specific causes close to the King’s heart: the coronation, diversity and community, the Commonwealth, and sustainability. The first of which portrays St Edward’s crown being lowered on the King’s head.

This scene, set at Westminster Abbey, shows the Royal holding onto the Sceptre with Dove and Sceptre with Cross representing both his spiritual role and power of governance, while fireworks light up the sky above.

The second stamp reflects the multi-faith community and cultures all over Britain, with figures of Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist religions making an appearance alongside places of worship.

Thirdly, the Commonwealth stamp portrays the King’s relationship with other nations, such as democracy and peace. These notions are depicted in the form of a meeting, the Commonwealth Games, and the flags of some of the countries.

Lastly, the stamp on sustainability and biodiversity showcases the nation’s natural landscapes, while highlighting eco-friendly farming methods and the push towards renewable sources of energy, including hydroelectric power and solar panels.

All of the stamps, which were based on specially-commissioned wood engravings by British artist Andrew Davidson, were designed by Atelier Works for the Royal Mail.

On the back of the miniature sheet is an additional image of a wood engraving by Davidson, with the picture showing a range of foliage that includes the four flowers of the countries that make up the UK: the rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock.

From April 28 to May 10, the Royal Mail will also be rolling out a special postmark—Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla 6 May 2023—on all mail sent from April 28 to May 10, 2023.

[via The Guardian and BBC, images via Royal Mail]