Australia:The Queen’s 95th Birthday

Australia Post issued a set of postage stamps on 21 September 2021 to commemorate the 95th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Monarch of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealth realms, Her Majesty was born on 21 April 1926 at the home of her maternal grandparents in Mayfair, London. She acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 and is now both the longest-living and longest-reigning monarch in British history.

Issue Description
This year’s international post stamp features a 2020 portrait of the Queen with her heirs: Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; and Prince George of Cambridge. The photograph on the domestic stamp was taken in November 2019 during Her Majesty’s visit to the new headquarters of the Royal Philatelic Society in London, which was first established in 1869. The royal family has enjoyed a long association with philately. As Patron of the Royal Philatelic Society, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II continues her family’s interest in philately, graciously allowing a selection from The Royal Philatelic Collection to be displayed at the society's opening meeting each season.

In Australia, the Queen’s Birthday is marked with an annual public holiday on the second Monday in June, in most states and territories. In Queensland and Western Australia, however, the monarch’s birthday is celebrated later in the year. In 2021, Western Australia will mark the occasion on Monday 27 September, and Queensland on Monday 4 October. This issue coincides with these celebrations.

Stamps
The Queen visits the Royal Philatelic Society (AU$1.10)

The photograph on the domestic stamp was taken in November 2019 during Her Majesty’s visit to the new headquarters of the Royal Philatelic Society in London, which was first established in 1869. George V was an enthusiastic philatelist and responsible for much of the renowned Royal Philatelic Collection, until recently housed at St James’ Palace, London. As Patron of the Royal Philatelic Society, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II continues her family’s interest in philately, graciously allowing a selection from The Royal Philatelic Collection to be displayed at the society's opening meeting each season.

The stamp photograph is by Toga Akmen, via WPA Pool/Getty Images. The Queen and her heirs (AU$3.50)

This year’s international post stamp features a 2020 portrait of the Queen with her heirs: Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; and Prince George of Cambridge.

The stamp photograph is by Ranald Mackechnie (via Camera Press).

Minisheet
The Queen’s 95th Birthday Minisheet consists of the two stamps from the issue, incorporated into a miniature stamp sheet.

First Day Covers
This first First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the Minisheet from The Queen’s 95th Birthday stamp issue affixed and postmarked - First day of issue | 21 September 2021 | Elizabeth SA, 5112.

Envelope size: 190mm x 110mm. The second First Day Cover is a pictorial envelope with the two gummed stamps from The Queen’s 95th Birthday stamp issue affixed and postmarked - First day of issue | 21 September 2021 | Elizabeth SA, 5112.

Envelope size: 190mm x 110mm.

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