Royal Stamp of Approval

The new Queen received a royal stamp of approval. It was the first time that a Queen of England, not reigning in her own right, had appeared on British stamps. 

The Coronation stamp of Great Britain, bearing quarter-length portraits of the new King and Queen side by side, is approximately the size of the Silver Jubilee adhesives issued in 1935 to honor George V. Between the rulers is an Imperial Crown under which are the initials G and E entwined with R. In the lower border is the date, “12 May 1937,” with “Postage Revenue” in the upper part of the frame, and “11/2 d” in each lower corner. It is the first time that a Queen of England, not reigning in her own right, has appeared on British stamps. 

The only other Queen illustrated was Victoria, who always was shown, even on issues coming out soon before her death, as she appeared in her younger days, due to the prevailing etiquette concerning such matters. Almost simultaneously with the Coronation stamp – there will be only one value for Great Britain – the King George V issue to replace the Edward VIII stamps being put on sale. These stamps carry the profile of the new King facing left, with the Crown above. In the corners are a rose, shamrock, thistle and daffodil. – The Sun, 1937

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia