London, May 26: Prince William will be the first member of the British royal family to have a set of stamps issued to mark his 21st birthday. The stamps will go on sale four days before his birthday in June, showing a range of formal and informal portraits.
From June 17 these portraits of Prince William, taken when he began his studies at St. Andrew's University in Scotland, will be on sale.
Naturally enough, he continues to be in the public eye and there is speculation about his future after completing his History of Art degree. There are suggestions that he may decide to join the Army, at least short-term.
There are four stamps : the informal portrait is for first-class postage within the UK, while the more formal picture, showing the prince more in profile and wearing a tie, represents postage for letters throughout Europe. Other stamps are for airmail use.
Presentation packs will be available of the 21 stamps, one for each year of Prince William's life. A special five pound coin bearing his portrait will also be issued by the Royal Mint. As with other royal memorabilia, the new set is expected to have appeal worldwide.


Bureau Report