You are here: Home - Household Bills - News -

King Charles III stamps revealed

0
Written by:
08/02/2023
The Royal Mail has unveiled the image of King Charles III which will feature on stamps in April.

The definitive stamp – which consists of the monarch’s head and value on the stamp on a plain coloured background – will be available from 4 April 2023.

The King’s effigy appears alongside a barcode on the stamp printed in matching colour alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by a perforated line.

Stamps will have different colours depending on the values:

  • 1st Class – Plum Purple
  • 2nd Class – Holly Green
  • 1st Class Large – Marine Turquoise
  • 2nd Class Large – Dark Pine Green

King Charles III is pictured facing left without a crown, and was personally approved by the monarch.

While it goes on sale in April, retailers will continue to sell their existing stock of stamps featuring the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, until existing stocks have run out, “to minimise the environmental and financial impact of the change of monarch”.

The image of the King is an adapted version of the portrait created by Martin Jennings for the Royal Mint for the new UK coinage.

The use of the coin image is a continuation of a long tradition dating back to the launch of the Penny Black in 1840. King Charles III becomes the seventh monarch to appear on a definitive (everyday stamp).

Simon Thompson, CEO, Royal Mail said: “Ever since the Penny Black was issued in the reign of Queen Victoria, British stamps have carried the image of the reigning monarch. The Definitive stamp has become a recognisable symbol of each reign.

“Uniquely, British stamps do not have the country of origin printed on them as the image of the monarch is sufficient. So today is a hugely important milestone for Royal Mail and the country as we reveal the image of the new King Charles Definitive.”

Stamp swap scheme

Anyone with old non-barcoded stamps needs to use them or swap them by 31 July 2023.

After this date, mail posted with non-barcoded stamps will be liable to a surcharge if they are used to post letters or parcels.

See YourMoney.com’s stamp swap article to find out more.

There are 0 Comment(s)

If you wish to comment without signing in, click your cursor in the top box and tick the 'Sign in as a guest' box at the bottom.

Your right to a refund if travel is affected by train strikes

There have been a wave of train strikes in the past six months, and for anyone travelling today Friday 3 Febru...

Could you save money with a social broadband tariff?

Two-thirds of low-income households are unaware they could be saving on broadband, according to Uswitch.

How to help others and donate to food banks this winter

This winter is expected to be the most challenging yet for the food bank network as soaring costs push more pe...

What will happen if rates change

How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.

Regular Savings Calculator

Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.

Online Savings Calculator

Work out how your online savings can build over time.

DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid

For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.

Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale

Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?

Five tips for surviving a bear market mauling

The S&P 500 has slipped into bear market territory and for UK investors, the FTSE 250 is also on the edge. Her...

Money Tips of the Week