90th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

On 21 April 2016, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday. To mark this milestone, the Royal Mail released a set of six First Class stamps and a miniature sheet comprising four First Class stamps.

Official FDC with Windsor First Day Cancellation.
"A long life can pass many milestones - my own is no exception" - HM The Queen

Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 Commonwealth nations, she is the epitome of duty and regal authority in public, while in private she is seldom happier than when surrounded by her family, preferably in a countryside location.

Miniature sheet bringing together the four existing generations of the Royal Family, from left to right: Prince Charles, HM Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George and Prince William.

Like her favoured surroundings, The Queen's interests and passions have changed little over the years. From childhood to the present day, dogs have been an ever-present feature of Her Majesty's life. Welsh Corgis are a particular favourite, as well as a dachshund-corgi cross known as a 'dorgi'. Perhaps less well-known is her skill at working the gundogs that are bred on her Sandringham estate, some of which have gone on to become champions.

Official FDC cancelled at the University of Bath PO

Insert

Horses are another great passion. As well as being an accomplished rider since childhood, Her Majesty has for many years enjoyed success as an expert breeder of thoroughbred horses, with wins recorded in more than 1,300 races. In her Silver Jubilee year, Dunfermline, a bay filly, triumphed in two of the British Classics: The Oaks and St Leger Stakes. The Queen also derives great pleasure from the breeding of Highland and Shetland ponies at Balmoral and Fell ponies at Hampton Court.

Source: FDC insert

From left to right: HM The Queen with her father, c.1930; HM The Queen attends the State Opening of Parliament, 2012; HM The Queen with Princess Ann and Prince Charles, 1952

From left to right: HM The Queen visits New Zealand, 1977; HM The Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh, 1957; HM The Queen with Nelson Mandela, 1996

Technical details:

Stamps

Date of issue: 21 April 2016

Illustrations (left to right, top to bottom): 

 HM The Queen with her father, c.1930

 HM The Queen attends the State Opening of Parliament, 2012

 HM The Queen with Princess Ann and Prince Charles, 1952

 HM The Queen visits New Zealand, 1977

 HM The Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh, 1957

 HM The Queen with Nelson Mandela, 1996

Design: Kate Stephens

Size:  37 x 35 mm

Printer: International Security Printers

Process: Lithography

Number per sheet: 30/60

Phosphor: bars as appropriate

Perforation: 14 x 14.5 cm

Miniature Sheet

Design: Royal Mail

Photography: Ranald Mackechnie

Sheet size: 179 x 74 mm

Stamps size: 27 x 37 mm

Words: Robert Hardman