New Zealand Post created this special commemorative stamp issue to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’s platinum wedding anniversary. Over their 70 years of marriage, they have achieved many remarkable milestones, of which family feature prominently. The stamps captured some of these magical moments.
Issue information
While the Queen and Prince Philip were engaged in 1946, their engagement was not formally announced to the world until the following year – 10 July 1947 – when Elizabeth turned 21.
On Thursday 20 November 1947, the royal couple were married in Westminster Abbey. Despite all their royal responsibilities, some of the most significant moments in their lives are family occasions. The births of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are sure to have been among the highlights. The fourth generation of the royal family continues to grow, with another great-grandchild expected in the first half of 2018.
Together, the Queen and Prince Philip have broken many records. She is the longest-serving – and longest-living - sovereign in New Zealand’s history, and the first to visit this country while reigning. He is the longest-serving consort and the longest-lived male member of the royal family. They are the first royal couple to see three generations of successors to the throne. No other members of the royal family have ever celebrated a platinum wedding anniversary, which makes this a very rare and remarkable milestone by any standard.
First Day Cover
While the stamps gave a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip throughout the years, the image on the first day cover showed a more recent photo of the couple looking every bit as in love as they did on their wedding day.
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover
Capturing a moment of their younger years, the image on the miniature sheet first day cover showed why the happy royals were so loved by the nation.
Miniature Sheet
The miniature sheet featured royal purple for the background colour, with a koru pattern over the top to give it a unique New Zealand flavour.
Presentation Pack
You could find out more about the history of the royals and the love story of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in our collectable presentation pack.
Product Listing for Platinum Wedding Anniversary
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.00 'Engagement day' gummed stamp. Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on the day their engagement was formally announced to the world. She was 21 and he was 26. |
$1.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Husband and wife' gummed stamp. This is one of the many wedding photos taken immediately after the royal couple’s wedding. Princess Elizabeth had taken her husband’s title and become the Duchess of Edinburgh. It was not until 1957 that the Queen proclaimed that Philip would be known as a Prince in his own right. |
$2.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.20 'Silver wedding anniversary' gummed stamp. This photo was part of a series taken to mark the Queen and Prince Philip’s upcoming silver wedding anniversary in 1972. At the time, New Zealand’s royal family included the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles (23), Princess Anne (22), Prince Andrew (12), and Prince Edward (8). |
$2.20 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.30 'New Zealand royal engagement' gummed stamp. The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne toured New Zealand from 30 January to 8 February 1974. They attended Waitangi Day ceremonies (then known as New Zealand Day) at Waitangi. Prince Philip opened the Commonwealth Games held in Christchurch and the Queen closed them 10 days later. |
$2.30 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.70 'Many generations' gummed stamp. In 2016 the Queen celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by family. Pictured standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, four generations of the royal family can be seen enjoying the celebrations. Prince Phillip, Charles and William wear distinctive red ceremonial uniform, with their various medals and awards, while Harry stands out in his navy blue dress uniform. |
$2.70 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $3.30 '70 years on' gummed stamp. Almost 70 years after they were married, the Queen and Prince Philip appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the Trooping the Colour parade, with their four children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. |
$3.30 |
 |
Miniature Sheet | Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. | $13.50 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with six gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $14.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover | First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $14.00 |
 |
Presentation Pack |
You could enjoy the story behind the meeting, marriage and growth of the Queen and Prince Philips' family. In this presentation pack you found a set of gummed stamps, a miniature sheet and first day cover as well as further reading on the Queen and Prince Philips' 70 years together. |
$29.90 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 20 November 2017 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | $1.00, $2.00, $2.20, $2.30, $2.70 and $3.30 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | Jonathan Gray, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd, New Zealand by offset lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus high gloss litho varnish and silver foil |
| Stamp size and format: | 35mm x 46mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 115mm x 102mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.286 x 13.895 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 19 November 2018. First day covers remained on sale until 19 January 2018. |
