The tribal kingdom of Swaziland became a joint protectorate of Great Britain and the Republic of South Africa (Transvaal) in 1890 and has since used the latter's Swaziland stamps overprinted "Swazieland". In 1984, Great Britain assigned the Transvaal sole control of Swaziland and regular Transvaal postage stamps (later South African postage stamps) were introduced there and were used until 1933. Then stamps were introduced with a portrait of George V with shields on the sides, against the backdrop of a map of the country and a mountain landscape. As in other territories, they remained in use until the 1950s, when the image of George V was replaced by the profile of George VI.
In 1967, Swaziland became a protectorate state and stamps were issued to mark the occasion with Sobhuza II's portrait. The following year the country gained full independence. Since then, she has consistently produced postage stamps dedicated to themes relevant to herself, and featuring portraits of Sobhuza II and his grandson, Mswati III.