King Edward's New Stamps, Half Length Portrait in Naval Uniform: One of the most recent portraits of H.M. King Edward VIII in naval uniform. "For the first time in history the postage stamps of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will carry a half length portrait of the Sovereign in place of the customary profile picture when the first stamps of King Edward VIII are issued at the end of this year. It is understood that, by his own request King Edward will appear on all stamps in naval uniform and bare-headed. May 4, 1936.