NZ Post To Issue Prince George Stamps And Coin

The New Zealand Post is issuing a stamp to celebrate the birth of Prince George of Cambridge. This is the first time in the state-owned service's 170-year history that it has featured commemorative issue to mark a Royal birth.

The stamps will feature a set of photos of the future king of the UK, along with his parents Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (or most commonly known as Kate Middleton), which were taken a day after his July 22 birth outside the St Mary's Hospital in London.

The NZ Post will also issue a limited edition 1 oz silver proof coin with selective gold plating, which will feature a coronet design assigned to the Prince, incorporating a stylised koru (a pattern symbolising new life in Maori art).

"Prince George's birth was a global event and there was huge excitement in New Zealand about his arrival, so it's only fitting he gets his own stamp," explained NZ Post spokesman Simon Allison.

"The minute news of the Prince's birth came through, we put into action a plan we'd had in place and worked around the clock to get our commemorative stamp and coin issued finalised."

The NZ Post had to get approval for the images and designs from George's grandmother, Her Majesty the Queen herself, and from William and Kate.

"The Queen and the Duke and Duchess have personally okayed the images and we're glad they agreed with our choice of stunning photos which show an immensely proud Royal mum and dad and the baby Prince."

Online pre-orders are available now, with the Royal Baby stamp and coin issue coming out from Sep 11, 2013 at PostShops and REAL Aotearoa stores.

Meanwhile, George is proving to be a very demanding baby, his dad revealed.

Prince William attended the North Wales country and farming event and told the visitors that caring for his son is comparable to his military duties.

"I have to say that I thought Search and Rescue duties over Snowdonia were physically and mentally demanding, but looking after a three-week-old baby is up there!" he was quoted by The Mirror as saying.

When a visitor asked after George, William replied, "He's lovely. There's been just a few sleepless nights but he's sleeping much better now."

William is planning to tour Australia in 2014 with Kate and George, just like his mother, the late Princess Diana, did with him when he was just nine months old in 1983.

"We are all very hopeful of coming to Australia next year," he said.

Other Royalty News:

Tongan Princesses Defy Royal Protocol, To Marry Commoners [Read]

Prince George Of Cambridge: Birth Certificate Signed And Registered [Read]

BBC Sorry For Airing Image Of Prince William With Penis On Head [Read]