XANTHE'S
STAMP MAGAZINE

On 21st April 1926, a baby was born. Her parents were the Duke and Duchess of York. No-one at the time expected that the Duke of York would become king, and definitely wouldn't have imagined that the baby would become the longest-reigning queen in world history. Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022 and there were several stamps issued to celebrate her life and reign. Not surprisingly, there will also be stamps to mark what would have been her 100th birthday on Tuesday. A

Some of you might remember my review of the Saba birds issue in January. The Netherlands are creating four issues this year to celebrate Saba wildlife. The first one was the birds set, and this one focuses on butterflies. Later in the year there will be Saba wildlife stamps about underwater life and flowers. I was a big fan of the birds stamps and as I collect butterfly stamps you would think I would like these too. And I do. But there is something a bit different about thes

A few weeks ago, I wrote this letter to Royal Mail . I am pleased to say that Royal Mail have replied, so I am sharing the response here. Firstly, I'd like to thank Royal Mail for taking the time to respond. Secondly, I think there is some useful information within this letter especially about the history of commemorative stamps, timescales, the role of the Stamp Advisory Committee and the fact that you can send suggestions to the Stamp Programme manager. I knew some of this