More than 200 exhibit frames, 28 dealers and a full slate of seminars and social events will welcome collectors to Royal 2026 Royale, which opens June 12 at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Hosted by the Kitchener-Waterloo Philatelic Society, the three-day event marks the 98th annual convention and exhibition of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC). Running through June 14, the convention is expected to attract exhibitors, dealers, judges and collectors from across Canada and beyond.
This year’s Royal also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II, whose image appeared on postage stamps throughout the Commonwealth during her record-breaking reign.
“Our exhibiting community had been busy preparing, too — this year there are over 200 frames including four youth exhibits and 18 Court of Honour entries,” convention co-chairs Alan Hills and Craig Pinchen write in the official program.
In addition to the competitive exhibits, visitors will have the opportunity to view special displays presented by the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation and the Niagara Military Museum.
One of the most anticipated additions to this year’s Royal is the introduction of Freestyle Philately at a national-level RPSC exhibition. The emerging format encourages collectors to share material from their collections in a more informal setting while providing an accessible entry point for exhibitors who may not wish to participate in traditional competitive classes.
The convention will also feature an extensive educational program.
Friday’s seminars include “Topical & Thematic Collecting” with Jean Wang, “K-W Dutchmen’s Two Olympic Journeys” presented by Kon Sokolyk, and “A Variety of Elizabethan Varieties” by Arnie Janson.
Saturday’s schedule features a Postcrossing Meetup, Garfield Portch’s presentation on the expertization of Canadian and British North America stamps and covers using the Foster + Freeman Video Spectral Comparator, and Paul Sarjeant’s seminar on full and partial pre-cuts in Britain’s line-engraved stamps. The Hong Kong Study Group will also present a session on the Machins of Hong Kong, while exhibitors will have an opportunity to attend a judges’ feedback session.
On Sunday, attendees can participate in the RPSC Town Hall Meeting, a Freestyle Philately session, John Wilson’s presentation, “Exploding Some Myths About Judging,” and a historical presentation by Rych Mills titled “Collector Declares Germany Victorious in the WWI Post Card Battle.”
The convention bourse, known as the “Great Arena of Stamps,” will feature 28 dealers from across Canada and the United States. Participating dealers include Andy M. Palochik, Beddows Philatelics, Brian Cutler, C. Frank Hoyles, Canadian Stamp News/Coin Stamp Supplies, Covers Only, Durbano Stamps, Gary Coates Philatelist, Greg Simon, Hugo Deshaye (Philatelist) Inc., James McKenzie Stamps, Jason Broersma, King’s Kollectables, Lee Stamp Sales, C. Leigh Hogg, Lewis Stamp Company, Lighthouse Publications, Longley Auctions, Nigel J. Mackey, Perforations Plus, R. Maresch & Son, Royal William Stamps Ltd., Roy’s Stamps, Scott Traquair, Sparks International, Suzanne May, Unitrade Associates and William Coates Philatelist.
Exhibits will be evaluated by a six-member jury chaired by John Wilson. Other jurors include Laurent Bélisle, Rick Gibson, Robert Pinet, Dr. Gregg Redner and Yan Turmine.
Social activities include the President’s Reception on June 12 and Awards Banquet on June 13 at the Delta Marriott Hotel.
Admission to Royal 2026 Royale is free. The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located at 101 Father David Bauer Dr. in Waterloo.
Additional information is available at www.kwstampclub.org/royal-2026-royale.