Britain Marks Longest Reign (UK 2015)

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[edited from press release]
ROYAL MAIL ISSUES STAMPS TO MARK HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR THE ROYAL FAMILYlongreignRoyal Mail is issuing a Miniature Sheet on 9 September to commemorate the historic landmark of Her Majesty The Queen becoming the longest reigning UK Monarch.

Queen Victoria’s reign of 63 years and 216 days WAS exceeded by The Queen this morning.

The Miniature Sheet will comprise five stamps including a specially created purple coloured First Class Definitive which will replace the current red version for the next 12 months.

The stamps will be on sale from 9 September 2015 online, from 8,000 Post Office branches across the UK, and by phoning Royal Mail Tallents House on 03457 641 641.
The full line-up of stamps on the Miniature Sheet is as follows:

  • 1st class — William Wyon’s City Medal, featuring the head of Queen Victoria, commemorated her first visit to London. The image on the Penny Black (the world’s first postage stamp) was based on this portrait, which in turn was based on a sketch of Princess Victoria when she was 15 years old.
  • 1st class — Dorothy Wilding’s three-quarter profile photograph of Her Majesty was one of a series taken in April 1952 and was printed on British postage stamps from 1952 until 1967.
  • 1st class — The classic Machin definitive, featuring the iconic profile of Her Majesty by sculptor Arnold Machin has been in use on definitive stamps since 1967. The iridescent overprint on the stamp bears the text ‘Long to Reign Over Us’. This new stamp is also available in stamp books.
  • £1.52 — The Badge of the House of Windsor, featuring a depiction of the Round Tower of Windsor Castle flying the Royal Standard, was approved by King George VI in Council at Buckingham Palace.
  • £1.52 — Created for use in Commonwealth countries, The Queen’s Personal Flag was designed at Her Majesty’s request in 1960. This is a gold ‘E’ with a crown, surrounded by a garland of roses. It symbolises the Queen’s role as Head of the Commonwealth. The device from the flag appears on the stamp.

Andrew Hammond, Director, Stamps and Collectibles, Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail stamps mark the most significant anniversaries and landmark events in the life of our country. We are proud to commemorate Her Majesty becoming the longest-reigning monarch in UK history.”

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News coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s reign surpassing Queen Victoria’s: