New Zealand Post created this special commemorative stamp issue to celebrate the wedding of Prince Henry Charles Albert David, grandson of Niue’s Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Harry, as he is better known, married Ms Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on 19 May 2018.
Issue information
Millions around the world watched and celebrated as His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms Meghan Markle wed on 19 May 2018 at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. This issue from Niue featured four stamps: two of the couple celebrating their engagement, and two of their wedding day.
Born on 15 September 1984, Prince Harry is much admired around the world. As an unlikely successor to the throne, he has been freer to socialise, to date, and to be more adventurous than his older brother. However, his wedding marks a shift in focus away from youthful adventures towards a future family.
Niue first became part of the British monarchy in 1900. Originally, the island of Niue was first settled by Polynesian sailors from nearby islands such as Tonga and Samoa. The first European to sight the island was Captain James Cook, but he was unable to set foot on the island because of fierce opposition by the locals.
Around 1846, Christian missionaries from England arrived to a friendlier welcome, and over time introduced their religious beliefs to the locals. Niue’s reigning King at the time, King Fataaiki, wrote to Queen Victoria in 1887 requesting to become part of the British monarchy and so be placed under British protection. His initial requests were turned down, but in 1900, Niue became a British protectorate and was later handed over into the care of New Zealand in 1901. Niue became self-governing in 1974 with New Zealand retaining control of its military and foreign affairs.
Miniature Sheet and First Day Covers
Along with other Commonwealth nations, the people of Niue watched and celebrated on 19 May 2018 as His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms Meghan Markle wed at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The first day covers featured two images of the happily engaged couple, and two from their wedding day.
Inspiration for the graphic background and borders has been taken from the beautiful frangipani and the Pacific fine mat.
Product Listing for Niue 2018 Royal Wedding
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Single Stamp | Single 30c gummed stamp. | $0.30 |
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Single Stamp | Single $1.40 gummed stamp. | $1.40 |
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Single Stamp | Single $2.00 gummed stamp. | $2.00 |
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Single Stamp | Single $4.00 gummed stamp. | $4.00 |
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Single Stamp | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $7.70 |
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First Day Cover | First day cover with four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $8.20 |
| Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $8.20 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 21 May 2018 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 30c, $1.40, $2.00 and $4.00 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Saint Andrew Matautia, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer: | Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 40mm x 30mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 16 |
| Perforation gauge: | 13.33 |
| Special blocks: | Plate and value blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 20 May 2019. |