9 Apr 2011

Nonsensical to associate Niue stamp with royal demise says Premier

8:38 am on 9 April 2011

Niue's Premier and the chairperson of the Niue Philatelic and Numismatic Company's board, Toke Talagi, says it's nonsensical to suggest that a stamp might predict the demise of the British royals Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Niue's commemorative royal wedding stamp features a picture of the couple with a perforation between them allowing the stamp to be split into two of lesser value, with Prince William's stamp worth a dollar more.

The design's drawn criticism from philatelists around the world but Mr Talagi says the aim was to come up with an unusual stamp for collectors.

"The royal family agreed and approved it and the stamp has gone on sale. The fact that some people may think that it indicates that the royal couple may separate in future is nonsensical. To me it doesn't make any sense at all. I believe that the royal couple will in fact continue to live a long, happy life as a married couple."

Niue's Premier, Toke Talagi.