Royal Mail have released a statement on what will happen to stamps bearing the image of Queen Elizabeth II, following her devastating death.
The long-reigning monarch passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 96, as Buckingham Palace confirmed the news in a statement. In an announcement made on the day of her passing, the Royal Family said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Now, Royal Mail have updated their customers on if the stamps depicting Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal for the time being. Their statement read: "Following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Mail has confirmed that stamps bearing the image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II remain valid for use.
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“These include definitive stamps – regular ‘everyday’ stamps – and special stamps. As previously announced, following the introduction of barcodes to everyday stamps, these stamps remain valid until the end of January 2023.
“All special stamps that have already been announced will be issued, although the launch dates of some may change. In line with past practice, following the death of a monarch all existing post boxes will remain unchanged.
"Post boxes already in production or being prepared for installation will also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II. No further announcements on stamps will be made before the funeral, and then only at the appropriate time, after consultation with Buckingham Palace.”
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However, the Royal Mint have said they could not currently give any information on the production of possible new coins. On Thursday, chief executive officer at the Royal Mint, Anne Jessop said: "On behalf of everyone at the Royal Mint, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family at this extraordinarily sad time.
“Queen Elizabeth II ruled with heart and devotion, and will be dearly missed by all of us at the Royal Mint and by millions of people around the world.
“The Royal Mint worked with Her Late Majesty throughout her reign – detailing her journey from new Queen to respected head of state across five coin portraits, and ensuring each new UK coin received her personal seal of approval.
“The remarkable legacy of Britain’s longest serving monarch will live on for many years to come.”
You can follow our live blog on all the latest updates from her passing here as tributes flood in - here.
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