Royal Mail unveils Nativity stamps for 60th anniversary as prices rise to £1.80

Royal Mail has unveiled its 2026 Christmas stamps, featuring five vibrant illustrations from the Nativity story to mark the 60th anniversary of the first-ever festive issue. According to the BBC News ^[1], the collection was jointly created by graphic designer Gareth Howat and illustrator Rebecca Sutherland, depicting familiar scenes including Mary and Joseph’s journey, the infant Jesus, an angel, shepherds and the Three Wise Men.

The Independent reported ^[2] that this year’s release coincides with a price increase for first-class stamps, which will rise to £1.80. The decision to return to traditional biblical imagery follows recent years where the Royal Mail favoured snowy UK cathedrals or carol lyrics, though 2025 also featured Nativity scenes.

Rebecca Sutherland, the illustrator behind the designs, described the commission as an "absolute honour" and a career highlight. She revealed to the BBC News ^[1] that she had been a passionate stamp collector since childhood, carefully removing them from envelopes to arrange into sets. "Being asked to create a set myself feels incredibly special," she said.

David Gold, of Royal Mail, stated that the team hopes the stamps will "add an extra touch of festive magic" to the millions of greetings sent globally. The first Christmas special stamps were issued on 1 December 1966, following a children’s art competition announced by then-postmaster general Tony Benn. This historical context is highlighted by the BBC News ^[1] as a key feature of this year’s release.

In addition to the Christmas series, Royal Mail is releasing stamps for Armistice Day on 11 November. The Independent noted ^[2] that these remembrance stamps feature artwork by British artist Matthew Cook, painted with a palette inspired by the red poppy. This year marks 110 years since the Battle of the Somme, a conflict that defined the First World War. Gold described Cook’s work as "poignant" and fitting for reflecting the sacrifices made across generations.