Royal Philatelic Collection

The Collection today owes its existence to the knowledge and expertise of King George V. The King, as a young Prince, undoubtedly took advice from his uncle, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and was later given his uncle's collection. Nevertheless, the Collection's structure and collecting policy reflect the interests of The King and his philatelic adviser and curator, Sir Edward Bacon. This approach has been followed to the present day.

Restricted to the stamps of Great Britain, the Empire and Commonwealth, the Collection is often regarded as the finest collection ever formed covering those countries. There are very few unfilled gaps.

Her Majesty The Queen, whose private Collection this is, was pleased to allow items from it to be shown in this anniversary year of the Accession of her grandfather to the Throne.

There are many gems in the Collection, some of which are unique or nearly so. Other items from the Collection can be seen elsewhere in the exhibition.

'Post Office' Mauritius: The most famous stamps in the world?

(below left) In 1847, Mauritius became the first British Colony to issue stamps. The two values were engraved singly on one plate, side by side. In 1848, the design was changed and engraved with 12 images for each value on two plates.

For collectors, 'Post Office' Mauritius stamps have become amongst the most coveted in the world.

Generally regarded as the finest of just four surviving unused Two Pence stamps, this is the most valuable stamp in the Royal Collection.

Bermuda's 'Perots'

(below centre) Both British Guiana and Bermuda needed to introduce stamps for postage. Both produced basic designs locally before stamps could be produced in England and sent out for use in those colonies.

Bermuda's 'Perots', covering a period from 1848 to 1856, were all of the same value (one penny) and all were signed by the Postmaster, WB Perot, after whom they are called. Around 12 examples survive.

Baden-Powell’s stamps for Mafeking

(below right) In 1900 during the siege of Mafeking in the Second Boer War, Robert Baden-Powell, commander of the besieged forces, instructed that stamps should be produced for local use. Baden-Powell later went on to found the Scouting movement.