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The death of Queen Elizabeth II continues to send shockwaves across the world. Though it was known that the long-serving monarch could not reign forever, her passing on Thursday afternoon (September 8) has left people reeling.
In the UK, not only is there a period of mourning to navigate, but a host of administrative changes must now be made to mark the beginning of a new reign. The Queen’s son Charles – hereby known as King Charles III – is now the head of state.
As a result, certain aspects of British society which haven’t changed in over 70 years will be subject to something of an overhaul. Changes to money, and to how barristers are addressed are among the areas which will look different. There is a question mark over what will happen to post boxes and stamps, which both bear markings of the former monarch.
Read more: Tributes pour in from across Kent following Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Post boxes, of which there are an estimated 100,000-plus in Britain, are currently marked with ERII – short for Elizabeth Regina II. They are given the mark of the monarch ruling at the time of their construction.
With some post boxes bearing King George VI’s GR cypher still in use today, those bearing the late Queen’s royal cypher are unlikely to be removed. The Postal Museum believes that the CRIII cypher will only be embossed on new post boxes.
The Royal Mail said: “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.”
Stamps are a slightly different story. The late Queen’s face has adorned stamps since she became the monarch over 70 years ago. The same profile, created by Arnold Machin, has been on stamps for more than 50 years after being issued in 1967.
Stamps are set to change, however. The design will be updated once King Charles ascends to the throne, though the exact timeframe for this is not yet known. Once the design is released, the new stamps will trickle into circulation. All reports suggest that any stamps featuring the Queen will still be eligible for use.
A Royal Mail statement said: “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. 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.
The company said a gallery of stamps featuring the Queen is available on its website. The statement added: “No further announcements on stamps will be made before the funeral, and then only at the appropriate time, after consultation with Buckingham Palace.”
The Royal Mint said it could not give information at this time, when asked about the possible production of new coins. It had issued a statement on Thursday in which Anne Jessopp, chief executive officer at the Royal Mint, 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.” Current Royal Mint coins and Bank of England banknotes remain legal tender.
The Bank of England said a further announcement regarding existing Bank of England banknotes will be made once the period of mourning has been observed.
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