Stamp Collecting Runs in the Royal Family

While newly-wed Prince William may not be a stamp collector, he certainly has a lot of royal relatives who were.

According to the official website of British monarchy, "Housed in St. James's Palace, the Royal Philatelic Collection is said to be the world's most comprehensive collection of postage stamps of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Starting in the early nineteenth century, the Collection was put together by Royal stamp enthusiasts. Key figures in its development were Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, the second son of Queen Victoria, and King George V, a keen stamp collector who built up a collection of world renown."

It goes on to say, "Later monarchs continued to preserve, develop and enjoy the Collection. Today the Collection continues to grow. It receives stamps of the UK and many Commonwealth countries in mint blocks of four or six. Occasional purchases of rare historical items are also made to enhance the Collection further...Unlike the Crown Jewels and the Royal residences, the Royal Philatelic Collection is privately owned by The Queen, rather than belonging to the nation. Her Majesty does give permission for selections from the Collection to be shown at major exhibitions internationally and in the UK."

Prince William's grandmother looking over HER grandfather's stamp collection.

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