In a bizarre display of communist propaganda, North Korea issued a set of commemorative stamps in 1981 featuring King Charles and Lady Diana Spencer's wedding, without the royal couple's consent.
The stamps, which hit the market two months after the July wedding, targeted international collectors and aimed to boost North Korea's struggling economy.
Foreign Office records reveal that Pyongyang's government sought to generate substantial revenue through the sale of these collectibles, part of their black market activities that include weapons trafficking and counterfeit currency.
A British diplomat in Beijing sarcastically remarked that the stamps were "pretty excessive even for them" and jokingly suggested that the General Post Office should retaliate by issuing a "geriatric dictators of the world" collection featuring North Korea's founder, Kim Il-sung.
Despite the unauthorised nature of the tribute, North Korea and Buckingham Palace have exchanged official correspondence in the past.
The North Korean government frequently sent birthday wishes to Queen Elizabeth II, who responded with congratulations on North Korea's national foundation day in 2021.
King Charles continued this tradition in 2023, sending "good wishes for the future" to mark the same occasion.
The four stamps showcased images from the wedding ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral, scenes within Buckingham Palace, and moments on the palace balcony.
At least one photograph was captured by Lord Lichfield, the official wedding photographer, and reproduced without consent.
The stamps were sold by Stanley Gibbons as part of a comprehensive royal wedding set priced at £600, sparking interest from British officials who attempted to acquire them for the Royal Philatelic Collection.
