For millions of people around the world, 29 April 2011 was a day of jubilation. Hundreds of thousands lined the streets of London and television audiences globally tuned in to watch the much-anticipated wedding of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales KG and Miss Catherine Middleton.
Issue information
The Royal wedding was a truly special event, uniting nations in a celebration steeped in history, tradition, pomp and pageantry.
New Zealand Post was honoured to mark the occasion with a range of exclusive stamp collectables, each destined to become a treasured reminder of one of the most romantic and memorable events of the century.
A Royal Souvenir
The greatly admired couple are captured beautifully on the se-tenant set of two over-sized stamps (measuring 52mm x 37.5mm). Featuring a stunning metallic gold border, they portrayed William and Catherine in both a formal pose and an informal embrace. The denomination of both stamps is $2.40, which was the postage rate of a standard letter to the United Kingdom.
The Wedding of the Year
The Royal wedding took place at the 1,000-year-old Westminster Abbey – the coronation church since 1066 and the venue for 15 Royal weddings, including that of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Once married, the couple returned to Buckingham Palace where The Queen hosted a reception, followed by a private dinner hosted by The Prince of Wales.
Enduring Links with New Zealand
As part of the Commonwealth of Nations – and as a country founded on the immigration of British settlers – New Zealand has a proud relationship with the United Kingdom and its Royal family. We first met Prince William when he was just nine months old, accompanying his parents on their official tour of Australia and New Zealand. Now a potential future King, New Zealanders worldwide tuned in to see him and his bride walk down the aisle.
Beautiful Collectables
A Royal occasion such as this is worth celebrating, and these beautiful collectables were the perfect memento. As well as the stunning stamps, the miniature sheet and two first day covers featured Prince William’s Coat of Arms. The design is derived from his father’s Coat of Arms with elements from the Coat of Arms used by his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Product Listing for 2011 Royal Wedding
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Se-tenant Set | Mint, used or cancelled se-tenant set of two x $2.40 stamps. | $4.80 |
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Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled miniature sheet. | $4.80 |
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First Day Cover | First day cover with se-tenant set affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $5.30 |
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Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $5.30 |
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Presentation Pack | Presentation pack which incorporated a se-tenant stamp set, miniature sheet and stamp first day cover. | $19.90 |
Stamp images: copyright 2010 Mario Testino
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 23 March 2011 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Se-tenant set of two gummed stamps |
| Miniature sheet: | One sheet with two gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | $2.40 (x2) |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | Datam, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus metallic gold |
| Stamp size and format: | 52mm x 37.5mm (vertical) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 20 stamps |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.4 x 14.6 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least eight stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 22 March 2012. |