Royal stamp collector
The Royal Family have been keen stamp collectors since the mid nineteenth century. The collection was originally started by Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, the second son of Queen Victoria, and was bolstered by King George V, or The Philatelist King’ as he was otherwise known, who was a keen stamp collector.
The collection, which is housed in St. James's Palace, is said to be the world's most comprehensive collection of postage stamps of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Special treasures include the ‘Kirkcudbright Cover’ bearing ten Penny Blacks which is date stamped 6 May 1840 – the first day of use, rare stamp designs, proofs and colour trials, together with similar material from across the former British Empire and today's Commonwealth.
It is impossible to value the collection. This is because it contains a number of unique items (including drawings and proofs) for which the market has never been tested.
