Commemorating Queen Elizabeth II: A Philatelic Tribute to Her Majesty's Life

As we commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, we embark on a journey through the remarkable milestones and enduring legacy of Her Majesty, celebrated through the art of philately. Join us in paying homage to a monarch whose life has shaped history and inspired generations worldwide.

Early Years and World War II

Born on April 21, 1926, in Mayfair, London, Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

SG461, commemorating the coronation of QEII's parents.

As a young girl, Princess Elizabeth led a relatively sheltered and privileged life within the royal family. She spent her early years at the family homes, including 145 Piccadilly and the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Despite her royal status, Princess Elizabeth was raised with a sense of discipline, duty, and responsibility instilled by her parents.

Princess Elizabeth received her education through private tutors, alongside her younger sister Princess Margaret. She studied a wide range of subjects, including history, literature, languages, and constitutional law, preparing her for her future role as monarch.

From a young age, Princess Elizabeth displayed a keen interest in horse riding, a passion she shared with her father, King George VI. She often participated in equestrian activities and developed a deep affection for horses, which would remain with her throughout her life.

1997 The Queen's Horses commemorative set.

During her childhood, Princess Elizabeth also developed a strong sense of duty and service to others, influenced by the example set by her parents. She participated in charitable activities and public engagements alongside her family, gaining firsthand experience in royal duties and responsibilities.

1963 Red Cross Centenary commemorative set - QEII was a prominent patron

Despite the privileges of her royal upbringing, Princess Elizabeth's childhood was not without its challenges. The abdication crisis of 1936, which resulted in her father's unexpected ascension to the throne, thrust the young Princess into the public spotlight at an early age, shaping her understanding of the responsibilities that came with her royal status.

Her early years were spent in the splendor of royal life, yet shaped by the tumult of World War II. Like many British families, the Princess endured the hardships of war, demonstrating resilience and courage beyond her years.

Princess Elizabeth, along with her sister Princess Margaret, remained in London throughout the war, residing at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. Despite the dangers posed by air raids and bombings, the Princesses remained steadfast in their resolve to support the war effort and boost morale among the British people.

During the war, Princess Elizabeth undertook various duties and responsibilities befitting her royal status. She participated in charitable initiatives, visited troops, and toured factories and hospitals to boost morale and show solidarity with the British people. Her presence and unwavering commitment to duty during these challenging times earned her widespread admiration and respect.

In 1945, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she trained as a driver and mechanic, demonstrating her willingness to contribute to the war effort in any capacity. Her decision to serve in the military reflected her sense of duty and dedication to her country, embodying the spirit of resilience and sacrifice that defined her generation.

Throughout the war years, Princess Elizabeth's courage, compassion, and sense of duty endeared her to the British public, laying the foundation for her future reign as Queen Elizabeth II. Her experiences during World War II instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and solidarity with her people, qualities that would shape her reign for decades to come.

Marriage and Partnership

In 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, a former Prince of Greece and Denmark, embarking on a partnership that would endure for over seven decades. Their love story, rooted in mutual respect and devotion, became the cornerstone of a reign marked by stability and strength.

Dedication to Duty

Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been a steadfast symbol of continuity and dedication to duty. Her unwavering commitment to the service of her people, both at home and across the Commonwealth, has earned her admiration and respect worldwide.

Charitable Endeavors

Her Majesty's reign has been defined by a profound sense of duty and service, coupled with a deep passion for her country and its people. From her coronation in 1953 to her Jubilee celebrations and beyond, Queen Elizabeth II has embodied the values of integrity, humility, and grace. Her countless charitable endeavors, supporting children's welfare, preserving cultural heritage, and championing numerous organizations, underscore her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Commemorative Stamps

Over the decades, Queen Elizabeth II has been honored with a series of commemorative stamps, each capturing a momentous occasion in her life and reign. Below you will find the stamps that celebrate the Queen herself, commemorating her milestone birthdays.

1986, 60th Birthday

By the time the Queen celebrated her 60th birthday, she had been on the throne for over three decades. Some of the defining moments of her life until this point include:

1. Coronation Ceremony (1953): On June 2, 1953, Queen Elizabeth II's coronation ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey, marking the formal beginning of her reign. Millions of people around the world watched the event on television, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in history.
2. Commonwealth Tours: Queen Elizabeth II embarked on several historic Commonwealth tours during the early years of her reign. In 1953-1954, she undertook a six-month tour of the Commonwealth, visiting countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa, strengthening ties with these nations.
3. Royal Visit to India (1961): In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited India, becoming the first reigning monarch to do so since the country gained independence. The visit highlighted the close relationship between the United Kingdom and India and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of both nations.
4. Silver Jubilee (1977): Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977, marking 25 years on the throne. The jubilee was commemorated with various events and celebrations across the Commonwealth, including street parties, parades, and special ceremonies, demonstrating the public's enduring affection for the Queen.
5. Visit to the United States (1976): In July 1976, Queen Elizabeth II made a historic visit to the United States to mark the bicentennial of American independence. During the visit, she met with President Gerald Ford and attended various events commemorating the bicentennial, strengthening the UK-US relationship.

2006, 80th Birthday

After over half a century on the throne, Her Majesty continued to represent Britain on the world stage, achieving further notable cultural and diplomatic milestones:

1. Opening of the Channel Tunnel (1994): On May 6, 1994, Queen Elizabeth II and President François Mitterrand of France officially opened the Channel Tunnel, linking the United Kingdom and France. The tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, represented a significant engineering feat and facilitated easier travel and trade between the two countries.
2. Golden Wedding Anniversary (1997): In November 1997, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary, marking 50 years of marriage. The occasion was celebrated with a special service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and private celebrations with family and friends, reflecting the couple's enduring partnership.
3. Visit to China (1986): In October 1986, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to visit China. During the historic visit, she met with Chinese leaders and participated in various cultural and diplomatic events, strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and China.
4. Visit to Russia (1994): In October 1994, Queen Elizabeth II made a groundbreaking visit to Russia, becoming the first British monarch to visit the country since the 1917 Russian Revolution. The visit aimed to promote diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges between the United Kingdom and Russia.
5. Opening of the Scottish Parliament (1999): On July 1, 1999, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the new Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh. The event marked the establishment of a devolved Scottish Parliament with powers to legislate on various issues, reflecting the Queen's commitment to the constitutional monarchy and the devolution process.

2016, 90th Birthday

With over six decades of diplomatic, charitable, economic and social achievements on her resume, Queen Elizabeth II had successfully guided a modernised monarchy in to the current era.

Looking towards the future, Her Majesty commissioned a new portrait depicting the Line of Succession as it stands. With a lifetime of achievements behind her, she could be proud of the next three generations of monarchs to leave behind as her lasting legacy.

In Memoriam

As we pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, we also remember her with reverence and respect through the 2022 Memoriam issue, released to commemorate her passing. These stamps stand as poignant reminders of Her Majesty's indelible mark on history and her unwavering commitment to serving her people.

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch whose legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come. Explore the timeless beauty of these commemorative stamps and honor the enduring legacy of Her Majesty.