The U.K.-based Royal Mail has announced the current image of Queen Elizabeth II used on its “Machin” definitive stamps will soon be updated to feature King Charles III.
The newly named king, whose coronation will likely take place next spring or summer according to a recent Telegraph report, will also appear on the Royal Mail’s forthcoming first- and second-class definitive stamps.
The postal service’s commemorative “Special Stamps,” launched in 1965, will also feature a silhouette of the king. Postal officials will unveil the image and issue schedules of the new definitive stamps and the new silhouette “in due course,” according to a Sept. 27 statement from the Royal Mail.
Following guidance from the royal family to minimize the environmental and financial impact of the change of monarch, existing stocks of definitive stamps featuring the late queen plus Special Stamps depicting her silhouette will be distributed and issued as planned.
“New stamps featuring King Charles will enter circulation once current stocks of stamps are exhausted.”
The Royal Mail also confirmed all stamps bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s image remain valid for use. All existing postboxes will also remain unchanged, according to the postal service, which added any postboxes already in production or ready for installation will retain the queen’s insignia.
“Once these have been installed, new postboxes will feature the cypher of King Charles III.”