New Zealand Post has 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 capture 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. And 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 longestserving

– 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.

Individual Stamps:

$1.00 Engagement day

Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on the day their engagement was

formally announced to the world. She was 21 and he was 26.

$2.00 Husband and wife

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.

$2.20 Silver wedding anniversary

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).

$2.30 New Zealand royal engagement

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.

$2.70 Many generations

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.

$3.30 70 years on

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.

Miniature Sheet

The miniature sheet features royal purple for the background colour, with a koru pattern over

the top to give it a unique New Zealand flavour.

Presentation Pack

Find out more about the history of the royals and the love story of Queen Elizabeth II and

Prince Philip in this collectable presentation pack.