You might see Queen’s head stamps that have been overprinted with a barcode—this is Royal Mail’s new system for tracking mail. Those are still valid, too. But if someone has drawn a mustache on the Queen? Technically, the stamp is still valid for postage (the barcode is what matters), but you might get a side-eye from the postie. I’d peel it off and eat the evidence.
Queen Elizabeth's Stamps in 'The Crown' - Real Story of Queen Elizabeth
One more thing: don’t cut the barcode off a stamp to keep the Queen’s head intact. Without the barcode, the stamp is invalid. Yes, people actually do this—they’re the same folks who try to re-gift fruitcake. Don’t be that person.
The Final, Weird Truth
So, can you use stamps with the Queen’s head on? Yes, until the end of time (or 2030, whichever comes first). Royal Mail has no plan to phase them out. In fact, they’re still printing them for certain special issues. The Queen might be gone, but her face is legally glued to billions of envelopes. It’s a kind of immortality, I suppose.
Next time you see one, don’t hesitate. Stick it on, lick it, send it. You’re not breaking any rules. You’re just paying tribute to a lady who—let’s be honest—had a really great profile for a really long time. And if you find a rare one? Frame it. Or use it. The choice is yours, but remember: I’m watching.
