Australia Post is releasing two new stamps to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday on 21 April 2016.

The Queen was born on 21 April 1926, the eldest child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth), and was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary.

However, the Queen’s birthday is officially celebrated in June every year in Australia, except in Queensland and Western Australia when it occurs in late September or early October.

The Queen’s birthday is honoured with an annual ceremony held at the Royal Military College at Duntroon in the Australian Capital Territory.

Australia Post has issued Queen’s Birthday stamps since 1980, and they remain an important and popular tradition with collectors and followers of royal events.

The $1 stamp features a photograph taken of Her Majesty attending a garden party for the Not Forgotten Association (NFA) in 2014, wearing the Golden Wattle diamond brooch.

The Golden Wattle Diamond Brooch was a gift from the people and government of Australia during the Queen’s first visit of Australia in 1954. It comprises of 150 white and yellow diamonds arranged to resemble a spray of Golden Wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, with mimosa leaves and tea-tree blossoms.

Sharon Rodziewicz from the Australia Post Design Studio designed both these wonderful commemorative stamps.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said, “Australia Post has issued Queen’s Birthday stamps since 1980, and they remain an important and popular tradition with collectors and followers of royal events.”

The Queen’s 90th Birthday stamp issue will be available from 5 April 2016 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps. Stocks are available for a limited time.

Our 30 January 2015 Show included news about the Golden Wattle Brooch on display at the Powerhouse Museum last year.