NEW stamps featuring King Charles III have been unveiled by Royal Mail.

The first and second-class stamps feature an adapted version of a portrait created by Martin Jennings, created for new coins, set to be released in the coming months and years.

The new monarch is facing to the left, as his mother Queen Elizabeth II did.

King Charles III stamps. Photo: Royal Mail

On coins, the direction the monarch is facing alternates, so King Charles III will face left.

The use of the coin image is a continuation of a long tradition stretching back to the creation of the Penny Black in 1840.

Colours for all four values are retained from the Machin definitive stamps that featured Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:

1st Class – Plum Purple

2nd Class – Holly Green

1st Class Large – Marine Turquoise

2nd Class Large – Dark Pine Green

“To minimise the environmental and financial impact of the change of monarch, existing stocks of definitive stamps that feature Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be distributed and issued as planned and will remain valid for use in line with our recent transition to barcodes on definitive stamps,” a Royal Mail spokesperson said.

A range of collectibles with all four new King Charles III stamps, including a Presentation Pack and First Day Cover, will be available to pre-order from March 3.

King Charles III stamps. Photo: Royal Mail

The stamps will go on general sale from April 4.

For more details, log on to https://www.royalmail.com/hmkingcharlesregister