First Day Cover / New Stamps for The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

When I first arrived at the Main Post Office in KK just before 8am this morning, there was already a long queue in front of the entrance.  I told myself that there must be a first day cover released today, but I am not sure what theme is being released today.  The crowd seems to be very excited telling each other how early they have been here at the post office.

I did not line along with the queue because I do not need to take any queuing number from the counter, I just need to buy stamps to send my products off to my buyers as usual.  

Before the door was opened, the post office staff informed the people in the queue that there are limited numbers of First Day Covers for everyone, for those who have registered their names the day before will get theirs and no additional are available for sale if they want more, some might not get a complete set.  With no idea of what's being released, Clet and I proceed to buy our stamps at the other counter.  

After almost done with sticking the stamps on our posts, one of the elderly lady holding her First Day Cover envelope and stamps on her hands and puzzling how to place it on the envelope, with her asking for help, I moved over to help her out.  I was surprise to see this special release of these new stamps for The Diamond Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II, there is also stamp for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Catherine.  These stamps are so nice that I want to have them instantly.  The best is the Duke and Duchess has actually arrived in Kota Kinabalu last night, they are actually here in Sabah for their 2-day visit.   It is very meaningful day to have the First Day Cover.

I asked for the elderly to take a photo of her envelope and stamps

queuing up

I quickly queue up (the queue has became shorter by then) hoping for a chance to get this set of stamps.  Luckily Clet helped to queue up on the other line which he got his turn before me.  We did not manage to get any First Day Cover's envelope and folder, they were all sold out.  But I am happy to get hold of 2 sets of the stamps.  They are meant to be kept for my 2 little girls. 

another line of people queued up

the new released stamps, 2 designs

Stamp of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to commemorate the royal visit to Malaysia, at RM1.50 each

First Day Cover stamp design

A "stamp on stamp" design, with an older stamp which was released on June 2, 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, it is now being re-released after 60 years, the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty on the throne.  RM1.50 per piece.

I ended up late to work this morning (slightly la) because of this, I can't kept my excitement having those stamps that I showed them to my colleagues, they all got excited too..one of my colleague walked all the way to Tanjung Aru Post office to buy these stamps but returned with disappointment that these stamps have not arrived to their post office yet.

I would have missed this fabulous First Day Cover if I hadn't gone to the main post office today.

Prince William and His wife, Catherine visit to Sabah

It is our great honour to have the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge to visit Sabah after touring Kuala Lumpur from 13-15 September 2012.  They are here to represent their grand mother, the Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II on her Diamond Jubilee tours, making her 60 years reign as Queen.  

They began their Asia Pacific Tour from Singapore on 11 September 2012 where they had a tour at the Orchid Garden. They were presented with the Orchid named after them.

Their next stop will be to Kuala Lumpur and Sabah.  I am sure the airport and the hotel that they will be staying will be packed with greeters under strict royal protocol, though I am in Sabah, I don't think I will be able to have a glimpse of Prince William and his wife, Catherine in person. It's a working day, most of us will be on our work desks.  

The Duke and Duchess will proceed to visit Danum Valley, a virgin rainforest deep in the centre of Sabah, where a conservation is done by Royal Society to protect the precious ecology in the area.  It is an interesting place to visit but I have not been there yet. Danum Valley is a paradise to Birds watchers and nature lovers.  Amidst much controversial, I guess they will proceed to Danum Valley as planned. 

image from tourmalaysia.com

The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Prince William, the heir to the heir to the throne has finally announced his engagement to Kate Middleton, his long time girlfriend at the State Rooms of the London's St.James's Palace on Tuesday, both are 28. Their wedding will be some time in Spring or Summer 2011.

Prince William gave his future bride the same 18-carat Sapphire diamond ring, which his father, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales had given to his mother, Diana, the Princess of Wales, for their engagement in 1981. It is an oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds in a cluster setting chosen by Diana herself.

The country is delighted and wishing them every happiness.

This has brought back my memories on the engagement and marriage of Prince Charles and Diana in 1981. Only If the Princess of Wales were still around, the occasion would be much more merrier.