Queen Elizabeth II's silhoutte will appear on stamps for the final time in more than 50 years as part of the Royal Mail Christmas collection.
The set of six Art Deco-style stamps focus on key moments from the Nativity.
Designed by Arnold Machin, the distinctive silhouette of the queen’s profile facing left and wearing the Diamond Diadem has appeared on festive stamps since 1967, the Postal Museum says.
Royal Mail’s colourful Christmas first and second-class stamp collection for this year was designed by Kent-based artist Katie Ponder.
They depict key images from the Nativity story, including the journey to Bethlehem and the Magi being guided by the star.
Each stamp also bears a barcode that customers can scan on the Royal Mail app to watch a festive video of Shaun the Sheep, created by Aardman Studios.
King Charles III coins go into production - in pictures
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The first coins featuring the portrait of King Charles III are going into production at the royal mint in Pontyclun, Wales. All photos: PA -
The coins will go into circulation on December 28. -
Artist Martin Jennings, who created the king's likeness, prepares the first coins. -
The king's likeness used on the coins has been personally approved by the monarch. -
Martin Jennings with one of the first coins produced. -
In keeping with tradition, the king's portrait faces to the left, the opposite direction to the previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
“Our Christmas stamp issue is always much anticipated, and it is one we particularly look forward to," said Royal Mail policy director David Gold.
“The charming style of these designs sets the perfect tone for the festive season.”
Royal Mail also worked on the collection with the Rev Lucy Winkett, rector of St James’s Church in Piccadilly, central London.
Post offices have urged people posting Christmas cards this year to send them early — by December 19 for parcels using second-class stamps, and by December 21 for those sent first-class.
King Charles coronation date announced - in pictures
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King Charles follows behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as it is carried out of Westminster Abbey. Reuters -
King Charles attends the state funeral of his mother. Reuters -
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King Charles in silhouette at Buckingham Palace as he meets faith leaders. AFP -
King Charles attends a vigil alongside Queen Elizabeth's coffin inside Westminster Hall. Getty Images -
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King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla enter Westminster Hall as the coffin completes its journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. Getty Images -
King Charles follows the coffin of Queen Elizabeth as it is carried on a horse-drawn gun carriage of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, during the ceremonial procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. Reuters -
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King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Hall, London, where both Houses of Parliament met to express their condolences following the death of Queen Elizabeth. PA -
King Charles greets mourners as he walks by the gates of Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth. AP -
King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla view floral tributes left outside Buckingham Palace. AP
