Stamps Celebrate Royal Couple’s 60th Anniversary

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5 September 2007

STAMPS CELEBRATE ROYAL COUPLE’S 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

New Zealand Post is marking the 60th wedding anniversary of Her Majesty, the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, in its latest range of stamps.

Serving as a reminder of the changes wrought in the last 60 years, the fresh faced newlyweds of 1947 are featured on the $2.00 stamp while the 50 cent stamp portrays the couple as they are now for the official New Zealand joint portrait.

The changes symbolise the transforming relationship between the two nations. In 1947 New Zealand finally ratified the Statute of Westminster, making it fully independent within the Commonwealth.

Britain in 1947 however was a nation recovering from the ravages of World War 2, rebuilding its cities, and re-establishing its nationhood and position as head of a changing Commonwealth.

The royal wedding was just the tonic for a battle weary Britain and its dominion. The marriage of the beautiful young Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, eldest daughter of King George V1 to the tall aristocratic Prince Phillip thrilled the Commonwealth. They were the original royal celebrities.

Those interested in fashion will note Princess Elizabeth’s spectacular wedding dress designed by royal couturier Norman Hartnell. The ivory silk gown was decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, crystals and a four metre train inspired by Botticelli’s figure of Primavera to symbolise growth and rebirth after the war.

New Zealand Post stamps general manager Ivor Masters says the stamps represent not just the changing face of the monarchy, but its changing role.

“For those interested in the monarchy the stamps offer an opportunity to reflect on the changes the institution has faced over more than half a century.

“The portraits used on the stamps are remarkably similar – apart from the age difference – both pictures show a couple that is united, proud and assured.”

The products;
- 50c stamp – Official New Zealand joint portrait
- $2.00 stamp – Wedding day 1947
- Coins - limited edition commemorative coins available in .999 gold (500 world wide), .999 silver (3,000 world wide) and uncirculated finish (2,000) worldwide..
- First day cover and miniature first day covers.

These products are available for purchase from September 5 at all New Zealand Postshops, Real Aotearoa stores in Christchurch and Auckland, the Wanganui Stamp Centre and online at www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps.

ENDS

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