This month we welcome Paul Candler as the new Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory. In this role, Paul will oversee the good governance of the Territory, assisted by the Deputy Commissioner and the Administrator. Ahead of his appointment, Paul commented on his enthusiasm to work on one of the most unique regions in the…
Midwinter’s Day is celebrated every year on the 21st June in the British Antarctic Territory. For those overwintering in Antarctica, it marks the middle of the long Antarctic winter, spent in near total darkness. HM Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory, Ben Merrick, has written to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) personnel currently stationed…
As part of a regular series on the meaning of place-names in the Territory, this latest edition focuses on Sir James Clark Ross to mark the final season in Antarctica, after 30 years of service, of the Royal Research Ship (RRS) James Clark Ross. RRS James Clark Ross is named after Admiral Sir James Clark…
The Government of the British Antarctic Territory is pleased to release a set of six stamps and a souvenir sheet in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday. Her Majesty celebrates her 95th birthday on 21 April 2021. The British Antarctic Territory and ten other postal administrations have agreed to co-operate in a fitting…
This week, the Union Flag has been lowered at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica to mark the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April 2021. Prince Philip visited Antarctica in 1957, becoming the first member of the Royal Family to cross the Antarctic Circle. We pay tribute to his…
To commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th Birthday, Pobjoy Mint have released a new 50-pence coin in her honour for the British Antarctic Territory. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has two birthdays to celebrate each year – her actual birthday is on 21st April whilst her official birthday is on 10th June. When Her Majesty…
The British Antarctic Territory is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Our latest coin release features the Barbeled Antarctic Plunderfish (Artedidraco skottsberg) which is found in the waters around the Antarctic continent from the near-shore to depths exceeding 600m. It is one of around 25 species of small predatory fish in the family Artedidraconidae…
As part of a regular series on the meaning of place names in the Territory, this latest edition focuses on Irish inspired Antarctic place names. On 17 March, St Patrick’s Day, 2021 there are at least 75 names in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands named for 45 persons of Irish birth. The names date from…
2020 marked 200 years since the discovery of the Antarctic continent. To celebrate this, we launched a stamp design competition for children aged 4 – 17 years, based on the theme of “Discovering Antarctica”. We were delighted to see such strong interest and enthusiasm, with so many creative and impressive designs submitted. A panel of…
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the entry into force of the Antarctic Treaty – recognised as one of the most successful international agreements, setting an example of peaceful cooperation. Pobjoy Mint have released a new £2 coin for 2021 featuring a map of Antarctica with four Emperor Penguins standing on the land. …
