Becks and Owen have postage stamp rules licked

Britain's new monarchy, the man from Beckingham Palace and his chums, have defied convention to become the first living non-Royals to feature on postage stamps.

Footballers David Beckham and Michael Owen – instantly recognisable but with their features hidden – appear on a new set of stamps to be issued by the Isle of Man.

The stamps are the first to benefit from the relaxation of the rules that had previously prevented pictures of living people being used in designs, outside of the Royal family. They will be released, with royal approval, on 1 May.

Stamp expert Peter Jennings said: "I received a tip-off that the Queen had relaxed the old convention regarding living people on stamps.

"I am absolutely delighted. I have campaigned for this for several years. It is now time to scrap the convention altogether and include living people on Royal Mail stamps."

He said the new arrangements would provide a great opportunity for new issues from the Royal Mail, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories.

As well as the Michael Owen stamp, the 22 pence stamp shows a shot from behind of David Beckham as he slides into a tackle. The stamps were designed to mark this year's World Cup to be held in South Korea and Japan.

Mr Jennings, a Fellow of The Royal Philatelic Society London, said that the stamps would encourage new collectors, particularly young people.

"Living people may now be included on stamps sent to the Queen for Royal approval, provided they are not instantly recognisable," he said. "Wisely, politicians or religious figures may not be featured."

BRITAIN'S NEW monarchy, the man from Beckingham Palace and his chums, have defied convention to become the first living non-Royals to feature on postage stamps.

Footballers David Beckham and Michael Owen – instantly recognisable but with their features hidden – appear on a new set of stamps to be issued by the Isle of Man.

The stamps are the first to benefit from the relaxation of the rules that had previously prevented pictures of living people being used in designs, outside of the Royal family. They will be released, with royal approval, on 1 May.

Stamp expert Peter Jennings said: "I received a tip-off that the Queen had relaxed the old convention regarding living people on stamps.

"I am absolutely delighted. I have campaigned for this for several years. It is now time to scrap the convention altogether and include living people on Royal Mail stamps."

He said the new arrangements would provide a great opportunity for new issues from the Royal Mail, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories.

As well as the Michael Owen stamp, the 22 pence stamp shows a shot from behind of David Beckham as he slides into a tackle. The stamps were designed to mark this year's World Cup to be held in South Korea and Japan.

Mr Jennings, a Fellow of The Royal Philatelic Society London, said that the stamps would encourage new collectors, particularly young people.

"Living people may now be included on stamps sent to the Queen for Royal approval, provided they are not instantly recognisable," he said. "Wisely, politicians or religious figures may not be featured."