“These include definitive stamps – regular ‘everyday’ stamps – and special stamps. “As previously announced, following the introduction of barcodes on everyday stamps, these stamps remain valid until the end of January 2023. Full details of the Swap Out program can be found here. “All special stamps already announced will be issued, although the release dates of some may change. “In line with previous practice, following the death of a monarch, all existing post boxes will remain unchanged. Post boxes already being produced or being prepared for installation will also retain Queen Elizabeth II’s insignia. “No further announcements about the stamps will be made before the funeral, and then only at the appropriate time, in consultation with Buckingham Palace.”
National Anthem
The words in the National Anthem have been changed to “God save our kind king” with substitutions of “he” and “him”. This is a matter of tradition, not law.
Passports and His Majesty
The former Prince of Wales no longer needs his own passport, but for the rest of the UK passports will be issued in his name. The wording on the new passports will change at some point. Her Majesty’s Passport Office will become Her Majesty’s Passport Office, as is the case with the Armed Forces and HM Prison Service. Face to face, Charles will be Your Majesty rather than Your Royal Highness on the first meeting, and Lord on the second reference, instead of Mrs – to rhyme with “lamb” – used in the second reference to Elizabeth II ‘.
Cyphers
The new monarch will need a new Royal Cypher – the monogram imprinted on royal and state documents. The Queen’s ERII appears on traditional police helmets and letterboxes. While English queens use the St. Edward’s crown, or a variation of it, kings traditionally use the more rounded Tudor crown.
Medals
Military medals, such as operational and long service commendations with the Queen’s effigy, should be modified.
