Isle of Man Post Office has issued a set of six stamps to mark the Duke of Edinburgh’s 96th birthday and his forthcoming official retirement.

Prince Philip is the longest serving, oldest spouse of a reigning monarch and the longest living male of the British royal family.

The six pairs of stamps contain gold text and capture Prince Philip at key moments in his life from childhood to present day.

They also show his somewhat ’unseen’ side - the sailor, the sportsman and his continued involvement in the awards scheme in his name.

The stamps are priced at 47p, 60p, 98p, £1.18, £1.30 and £2.33, and the collection is available in a set, presentation pack, sheet and first day cover.

Text for the collection was written by the late Peter Jennings who was a member of the Royal Philatelic Society from 1966 until his death in 2013. Charity campaigner and Falklands veteran Simon Weston CBE also contributed.

Stamps and coins general manager Maxine Cannon said: ’We are pleased to pay tribute to HRH in recognition of his lifetime of service to the British monarchy on the occasion of his retirement from royal public engagements.’

The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, A Lifetime of Achievement stamp issue can be pre-ordered at http://www.iompost.com/princephilip/