A ‘Diversity and Community’ themed stamp as part of a commemorative set to mark the Coronation of King Charles III has been designed to reflect a multi-faith community and the cultural diversity of contemporary British society.
According to the Royal Mail, the stamp features figures representing the Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist religions and is representative of all faiths and none. The background shows aspects of both rural and urban Britain and includes some of the many different places of worship that are found around the UK.
Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of Royal Mail, said: “Royal Mail is proud to issue this set of commemorative stamps which celebrate the Coronation, and some of the causes which His Majesty has championed throughout his many years of public service. This is only the third time we have issued Coronation stamps and I am delighted that they mark the start of a new reign and a new chapter in our history.”
Besides the Diversity and Community theme, the stamps illustrate the Coronation ceremony as well as some of the causes Charles has dedicated his years of public service to the global ties of the Commonwealth, as its new Head, and sustainability and biodiversity.
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The Commonwealth stamp depicts an “outward-looking” UK, global trade, cooperation, democracy and peace.The stamp features an imagined Commonwealth meeting, a representation of the Commonwealth Games, some of the flags of the Commonwealth nations, a scene depicting trade and commerce and a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery.”
The Coronation stamp depicts the moment of coronation, with St. Edward’s Crown being lowered onto His Majesty’s head by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King holds the Sceptre with Dove and the Sceptre with Cross and sits in the Coronation Chair. The scene is set in front of Westminster Abbey, with fireworks appearing above. In the background, a gun salute is being fired by a member of The King’s Troop, while crowds watch the ceremony and celebrate.
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The Sustainability and Biodiversity stamp depicts natural landscapes alongside sustainable farming methods and features renewable sources of energy such as hydroelectric power and solar panels. Images of diverse forests, wildflower meadows and pollinating insects highlight the importance of wildlife conservation, while traditional crafts such as hedge-laying and beekeeping also feature prominently.
The stamps have been available to view at the Postal Museum in London as part of ‘The King’s Stamp’ exhibition. It marks only the third time in history that Royal Mail has issued stamps to mark a Coronation – the previous two occasions were for King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
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Royal Mail will also be applying a special postmark to stamped mail to mark the event, reading: Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, 6 May 2023.
*Info: Postal Museum
