Left: Queen Elizabeth II in Coronation Robes © V&A Images / Right: © Getty Images

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II is a multinational celebration throughout 2012 marking the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the thrones of seven countries upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952. She is today queen regnant of 16 sovereign states, 12 of which were British colonies or Dominions at the start of her reign.

Garter Ceremony 1997

Every June, a procession and service take place at Windsor Castle for the Order of the Garter. Founded by Edward III in 1348, the Order is the senior, and the oldest, British Order of Chivalry. In the service The Queen formally invests new Companions of the Order of the Garter in the Throne Room of Windsor Castle.

***

Featuring images taken from Britain’s stamps, banknotes and coins, the Miniature Sheet takes us from Dorothy Wilding’s lovely 1952 portrait, to a special Diamond Jubilee Machin printed with iridescent ink. All six stamps have been issued at First Class inland letter rate.

Her Majesty's Definitive stamps

Queen Victoria is the only other monarch in the histories of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a few other Commonwealth realms to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee, which she did in in 1897.

I received another travelling card. Lately it seems my cards like to take a good tour around Europe before arriving in Spain. Jiri bought this one when he was living in London and, reading that I like nightviews, kindly sent it to me from his home in the Czech Republic. It was his last English card and he tells me he bought it because he never had the chance to see the bridge up like this. Isn't it a great view of the London Tower Bridge? I love it! ♥

Impressed? Ha! Then look at the stamp on the flip side. An amazing illustration by Marina Richterová of an expressively conducting Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with an original copy of the Don Giovanni score and the Prague's Estates Theatre in the background. It is 5.5 x 3.5 cm.

♪ England + Austria + Czech Republic ♪

I never thought I would have a royal as a guest in my house but yesterday H. M. Queen Elizabeth II came to my letterbox and of course I couldn't ask her please to go. On the contrary, she graciously accepted my invite and we had tea in my room. Now she hangs on my cork board above my computer so we can share niceties while I am typing. She is my first Royal postcard. Congratulations on your 60th anniversary, Your Majesty!

This time I am travelling to Middle Ages Winchester, Hampshire, in England thanks to my German penpal, who allows me to accompany her. Entering the Castle's Great Hall I can see through the gates the Round Table hanging above. I can only imagine how was life then. The King and his Queen sitting at the end of the Hall on their thrones and all the barons, bishops and ladies standing in two rows at the sides, bowing, gossiping and glancing each other. I truly love this postcard!