First memorial statue of Queen Elizabeth II unveiled in Rutland
Hundreds of people and dozens of corgis filled the streets of Oakham for the historic occasion
Last updated 21st Apr 2024
The first statue of Queen Elizabeth II commissioned since her death was unveiled in Rutland today (21st April), to hundreds of onlookers from all over the country.
The structure is 12ft in total, comprising of a 7ft bronze sculpture of her late Majesty alongside three corgis.
The statue was unveiled by Alicia Kearns MP, Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, and Bishop of Peterborough, Debbie Sellin.
The sculpture, crafted by Hywel Pratley with support from his partners at Le Blanc Fine Art Foundry in Melton Mowbray, stands in the park behind Oakham Library.
It was commissioned by Dr Sarah Furness, and funded through donations from individuals, businesses and Oakham Town Council.
Members of the Welsh Corgi League also joined dozens of other corgi owners in attendance for the unveiling.
Dr Sarah Furness said: "We are a very special county; we live up to our moto in so many ways - much in little."
"We are the very first place to have a memorial statue to her Majesty, I believe, in the world."
"I'm really pleased we chose to have her in the prime of her life. Somebody who reigned for such a long time, she shouldn't be remembered as just an old lady.
"She was a wonderful older lady but actually I think, in 70 years, it's nice to remember her in the middle of her reign."
Alicia Kearns MP said: "There's been rapturous applause today, essentially remembering the legacy of her Majesty.
"...and for us to be the first county to have a statue of her since she died, on today on her birthday, it's the most incredible tribute.
"If I was her, that's exactly the kind of statue you'd want of yourself."
Hywel Pratley said: "To decide on an age and an expression that people were happy with, it wasn't a huge challenge, but it weighs heavily."
"So, trying to work out what she should look like and which photographs I should be using, that was an exercise."
"I'm very, very pleased that it's safely delivered and it's done, so maybe I can have a lie-in tomorrow."