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Royal Mail has finally confirmed when it will say goodbye to the Queen’s face after seven decades. Traditional stamps bearing the Queen’s image will stop being used at the end of January 2023.
Stamps that have already been issued but haven’t been used are still valid, and this includes definitive stamps and special stamps. The postal service had announced an update to stamps a month before the Queen passed away, with ones featuring her image being updated with a new barcode system the following year.
After January 31 2023, people will still be able to use stamps with the Queen’s portrait – but only if they’re the new barcoded versions. Anyone who uses anything other than the new style of stamp from February 2023 will be charged extra for doing so, Yorkshire Live reports.
READ MORE: Major changes for new King Charles III’s coins, stamps, flags, national anthem and postboxes
(Image: PA)
It’s not yet been announced when stamps bearing the image of King Charles III will come into circulation following the death of the Queen aged 96 on September 8. It’ll be the first time in 70 years that a new monarch will appear on stamps.
On its questions and answer page, Royal Mail has confirmed it will be making an announcement on future stamp issues “at the appropriate time.” A message posted under the heading ‘when will stamps be issued showing King Charles?’ stated that it will “announce future stamp issues at the appropriate time”.
The post added: “We will consult Buckingham Palace in the usual way before making any further announcements. For now, we remember the Queen’s lifetime of dedication to public service. There are sufficient stocks to fulfil anticipated demand.”
Royal Mail has also confirmed the cypher on existing post boxes will not be changed “in line with past practice.” Postboxes already in production, or being prepared for installation, will also retain the insignia of Queen Elizabeth II.
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