Issue date April 17, 2018:
From Australia Post’s Stamp Bulletin:

In 2018, we mark the 92nd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with two designs that feature a floral theme. On the domestic-rate stamp, the Queen is pictured during her 90th birthday celebrations in April 2016. The Queen was photographed arriving to open the Alexandra Gardens Bandstand, in Windsor, as part of a day of visits with Prince Philip. On the international-rate stamp, the Queen is attending a 2015 service to mark Commonwealth Day –
the celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The domestic stamp also features a close-up photograph of the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ (also known as ‘Queen of England’)
– a tall grandiflora rose introduced in 1954. The Queen Elizabeth rose was named to recognise the Queen’s ascension to the British throne in 1952 and subsequent coronation in 1953.

[press release]
Australia Post adds a floral touch to commemorate Her Majesty’s 92nd birthday

Australia Post is releasing two floral-themed stamps to commemorate the 92nd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Born on 21 April 1926 and christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, Queen Elizabeth II was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said; “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the most featured person on Australian stamps. Creating something fitting to honour Her Majesty each year is a proud philatelic tradition in Australia.”

This year’s Queen’s Birthday stamp issue and associated products feature a floral theme, with a particular focus on the Queen Elizabeth rose (also known as ‘Queen of England’), which was released in 1954 to honour the Queen’s ascension to the British throne in 1952 and her subsequent coronation on 2 June 1953.

Australia Post will also release a postal and numismatic cover to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation later this year.

The Queen’s Birthday 2018 stamps were designed by Jason Watts of the Australia Post Design Studio. The issue includes one domestic base-rate ($1) stamp and one international ($3) stamp featuring:

• Queen Elizabeth II with Queen Elizabeth rose: This domestic base-rate stamp captures the Queen arriving to open the Alexandra Gardens Bandstand in Windsor, during public celebrations for her 90th birthday in April 2016, along with a close-up photograph of the Queen Elizabeth rose.
• Queen Elizabeth II on Commonwealth Day: The international stamp features the Queen attending the 2015 Commonwealth Day service at London’s Westminster Abbey. Commonwealth Day is the celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, held annually on the second Monday in March.

The products associated with this stamp issue are a minisheet, stamp pack, first day cover, maxicard set, booklet of 10 x $1.00 stamps, sheetlet of 5 x $3 stamps and a medallion cover.The Queen’s Birthday 2018 stamp issue is available from 17 April 2018 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last. Please visit auspostcollectables.com.au for more information on this stamp issue.