An issue with an original subject presented under the title Royal devotion will be introduced into circulation by Romfilatelia on Thursday, July 24th this year. It consists of four postage stamps, one First Day Cover, 4 maximum cards for philately enthusiasts and a philatelic folder with a special product in a limited run printing.
In the history of civilization, the dog has had a fascinating journey in its relationship with man, to the point that nowadays it is presented as a famous character in literature and cinema, with exemplary dogs among its peers who have given us real life lessons about loyalty, devotion and love. The dog loves humans the most, being endowed with numerous qualities. Renowned American novelist Agnes Sligh Turnbull said ‘Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really’.
Dogs are keen observers, and when their owners are affected by sadness or illness, they actively involve themselves as sharers in help and comfort. But what remains a universal value of their behavior is attachment and devotion. Of the thousands of stories that support this assertion, we present just one.
In Japan’s Shibuya station, a statue immortalizes a dog, Hachiko, a symbol of loyalty and love. The dog waited for its owner every day on the platform when he returned from work. For years, until he never returned and died of a cerebral hemorrhage. For 10 years, until he died of old age, Hachiko waited for his master in the same place on the station platform.
Of course, there is also human obligation towards this intelligent animal. How is this done? American scholar Richard Friedman gives us the answer: ‘Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail’.
Dogs were an important presence in royal families, not just as pets but as symbols of social status and personal affection. As companions, dogs brought joy and comfort to their owners’ lives, often lived in isolation. Dogs were present at social events and ceremonies, contributing to the public image of monarchs.
In the existence of the members of the dynastic family of Romania, the presence of dogs was noticed and immortalized in numerous period photographs. It is known that one breed of dog that
was unanimously appreciated was the ‘Cavalier’ (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel).
Dogs of the breed were particularly affectionate and strongly attached to their owners. In addition to this breed, Queen Marie
was also closely attached to the Barzoi greyhound breed (Slavonic for ‘swift, fast dog’).
Having inherited his love of dogs from his grandmother, King Michael equalley fond of the German shepherd, the Great Dane, the Saint-Bernard and the cocker spaniel. About Queen Anne dogs, it is known that the last remaining dogs in Switzerland were Chihuahuas.
The four postage stamps of the issue illustrate suggestively the feelings- of attachment and love for of the members of the Royal House of Romania the most devoted animals present at the royal court. King Ferdinand I (postage stamp with the face value of Lei 3), Queen Marie (postage stamp with the face value of Lei 6.50), King Michael I (postage stamp with the face value of Lei 11) and Queen Anne (postage stamp with the face value of Lei 14), appear in the images of the postage stamps, in poses captured by the photographers of the time, with their favourite animals. Without intending to particularly highlight the canine breeds immortalized, the postage stamps of this issue create a touching atmosphere and prove what is unanimously accepted: ‘The dog is man’s best friend’.
The First Day Cover reproduces a photo with a defining image of the pet dog flanked by Queen Mother Helen and King-child Michael I.
By scanning the QR code on the mini sheets with stamps, you will discover the story behind the philatelic issue Royal devotion.
Romfilatelia thanks the representatives of the Romanian Academy Library, the Royal House of Romania, the National Museum of Peles and the National Archives of Romania for their documentary support for the development of this issue of postage stamps.
