Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bicentenaries marked by release of new stamps

A new set of stamps is being issued to mark the bicentenaries of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert.

Six of the stamps chart Victoria's life from the age of 11, including an image of her with former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.

Four other stamps celebrate the legacy of Albert, featuring images of the Royal Albert Hall and Balmoral Castle.

Philip Parker, of Royal Mail, said: "Queen Victoria was just 18 when she became Queen, and her reign lasted to the dawn of the 20th century.

"Prince Albert was determined his adopted country should be at the forefront of science and art education.

"Our new stamps celebrate their rich legacy."