New ‘every day’ stamps featuring King Charles’ image were unveiled for the first time on Wednesday, the latest item in Britain to be renewed following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
From coins and notes to the official royal cipher used by the government, Britain has been slowly introducing replacements with the new monarch since his mother’s death in September.
In keeping with a tradition dating back to the first Penny Black in 1840, the new “definitive” stamp uses an adapted version of a portrait of Charles that also appears on the new coins.
“As with all stamps, they have been approved by the monarch, so we hope you are happy with this design,” said David Gold, Royal Mail’s Director of Policy and External Affairs.
“The guidance they gave us was not to try to be too smart or try to veer off in a different direction, but to keep that traditional image that we’re all very used to.”
The new stamp, which will go on sale at the beginning of April, consists solely of the king’s head and its value on a plain colored background.
“There’s a precedent that the king doesn’t wear a crown,” Gold said.
Charles is the seventh British monarch to appear on a definitive stamp. Existing stamps featuring Elizabeth will remain valid and in circulation until stocks run out, Royal Mail said.