Royal Mail confirms Queen Elizabeth decision after German tribute sparked debate

Dorothy Reddin
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:27:41 +0000

Royal Mail has confirmed to GB News that commemorative stamps will be released to celebrate what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday on April 21.

The announcement comes after Germany's postal service, Deutsche Post, unveiled its own tribute stamp honouring the late monarch at the British Embassy in Berlin earlier today.

A Royal Mail spokeswoman told GB News that a stamp set marking the centenary of the Queen's birth is planned, with further details expected in the coming weeks.

The postal service's 2026 stamp calendar already lists the "Centenary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II" for April 21.

GB News has contacted Buckingham Palace seeking comment on the commemorative plans.

The German stamp features the late Queen dressed in a canary-yellow ensemble with her trademark matching hat. Carrying a postage value of 125 cents, the stamp can be used for international mail, including letters and postcards.

Deutsche Post has produced 1.3 million copies of the commemorative issue, which went on sale today through post offices, the company's online shop, and telephone ordering service.

International buyers can also purchase the stamp by contacting the company's premium service. The German Federal Ministry of Finance officially issued the stamp, with the design created by Thomas Steinacker, Deutsche Post's stamp designer.

British Ambassador Andrew Mitchell joined Deutsche Post officials at the UK Embassy in Berlin for the official unveiling ceremony.

The German tribute sparked debate among Britons on social media, with many questioning why a foreign nation had acted before the UK.

GB News presenter Emma Woolf posted on X: "Why don't we do this?"

One user responded that keeping the late Queen on currency rather than replacing historical figures with wildlife would have been a positive gesture.

Another praised Germany's initiative, writing: "It's a wonderful gesture from Germany. Queen Elizabeth would be so proud of you all."

Some responses were more critical of British leadership, with one account bluntly blaming the country's leaders.

Another user lamented: "Unfortunately we don't celebrate British anymore Emma.. It's frowned upon."

However, defenders pointed out that memorial stamps were released in 2022 following her death, and that the Queen appeared on every stamp throughout her reign.

Bernd Gemein, Divisional Board Member at Deutsche Post, said: "With our stamps, we pay tribute to historically significant personalities, cultural and political achievements, and exceptional anniversaries. All of these aspects come together in the person of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen was highly respected and beloved in Germany as a symbol of reconciliation, a moral authority, and an embodiment of duty and stability.

"We are delighted to issue this commemorative stamp to mark what would have been her 100th birthday - a special keepsake for Royal enthusiasts and philatelists alike."

British Ambassador Andrew Mitchell added: "Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II held a special place in the hearts of many people in Germany. Her visits, her warmth, and her unwavering commitment to strengthening the partnership between our countries left a lasting impression. This commemorative stamp is a touching tribute to her legacy and to the deep, enduring ties between the United Kingdom and Germany."

The bond between Queen Elizabeth II and Germany ran deep, rooted in significant historical and familial connections. Her husband, Prince Philip, possessed German ancestry, while the House of Windsor itself originated as the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

The late Queen's 1965 visit to West Germany marked the first by a British monarch since 1909, with nearly one million people reportedly lining Berlin's streets during the 11-day tour. She made four official state visits to Germany throughout her reign.

When she died in September 2022, Germans expressed profound sympathy, with millions watching live broadcasts of her state funeral.

In Britain, the final authority on stamp designs rests with King Charles III, who acts on recommendations from Royal Mail and the Stamp Advisory Committee.