On 15 September 2016, MaltaPost will issue a miniature sheet bearing one stamp entitled Maritime Malta Series IV- HMS Hastings. This stamp portrays a lithograph of a drawing by Charles Brockdorff circa 1838, showing the arrival of Queen Adelaide on
board HMS Hastings into Valletta Grand Harbour on 30 November 1838.

The arrival of the Queen was marked by a royal salute fired from Fort Ricasoli and Fort Saint Elmo, after which twenty-one guns were fired from each of the man-of-war. Battalions of soldiers assembled on the most prominent batteries to cheer the Queen as she passed by. The Queen left Malta on 1 April 1839.

The stamp carries a face value of €3.59 and the issue consists of 15,000 miniature sheets. The stamp measures 49mm by 40.5mm with a perforation of 14.2 x 14.2 (comb.) and bears the Maltese Crosses watermark, while the sheet measures 120mm by 80mm.

This philatelic issue will be available as from Thursday 15 September 2016 from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo, online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740; email: info@maltaphilately.com

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