100th birthday: Deutsche Post honors Queen Elizabeth II with a special stamp

Bernd Gemein, Divisional Board Member, Deutsche Post: "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."

Andrew Mitchell, British Ambassador to Germany: "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."

Germany and the Queen

The relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Germany was a special one from the beginning. There were strong historical and family ties between the British Royal Family and Germany: the Queen's husband, Prince Philip, had German ancestry, and the House of Windsor itself was originally the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In 1965, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Federal Republic of Germany - the first visit by a British monarch since 1909. Over the course of eleven days, she and Prince Philip travelled across the country. In Berlin alone, nearly one million people are said to have lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Queen. In total, Queen Elizabeth II visited Germany four times on official state visits. Upon her death, many people in Germany expressed deep sympathy, and the live broadcasts of her state funeral on 19 September 2022 reached millions of viewers.

Biography

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, Princess of York, was born on 21 April 1926 in London as the eldest daughter of the Duke of York, later King George VI, and his wife Elizabeth (née Bowes-Lyon). She was not originally destined for the throne, but moved into the line of succession at the age of ten when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936 and her father became King. During the Second World War, the young Princess joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, completing training as a driver and mechanic. 

On 20 November 1947, she married Royal Navy officer Philip Mountbatten, Prince of Greece and Denmark and newly titled Duke of Edinburgh, whom she had first met at age thirteen. Following the death of King George VI on 6 February 1952, Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne at just 25 years old and took the regnal name Elizabeth II. Her coronation was held on 2 June 1953 in Westminster Abbey and was broadcast live to millions around the world. 

Queen Elizabeth II served as Queen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and of other Commonwealth realms from February 1952 until her death - making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She was widely regarded as a symbol of continuity, duty, and steadfastness. Despite her private nature, it was well known that she was an avid horsewoman and breeder, that she had a particular fondness for Welsh Corgis, and that she favored colorful outfits paired with matching hats. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.