Queen Elizabeth II statue unveiling a "very special event" for Rutland
There'll be food stalls and a funfair in Oakham Town Centre from 12 until 4pm today
Last updated 21st Apr 2024
The unveiling of Rutland's bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II is being described as "a very, very special event" for the county.
The sculpture of the late monarch, which is the first to be commissioned since her death, depicts Queen Elizabeth II in her youth - alongside three corgis.
It will be officially unveiled to the public today (21st April) at 2pm, on what would've been the Queen's birthday, in the garden next to Oakham Library.
From 12 until 4pm, there will be food stalls and a funfair in Oakham Market Place.
The statue was commissioned by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, in response to the "depth of loss" felt in the county following the Queen's death.
95% of the cost was covered through gifts from individuals and some businesses - as well as a significant donation from Oakham Town Council.
Royal commentator, Caroline Aston, from Rutland, said:
"The statue shows her in her youth, it's a 7-foot-tall bronze statue and of course corgis are included - a nod to her love of that breed."
"When she went on her honeymoon back in 1947, tucked under the blankets of the carriage that carried her and Prince Phillip was her corgi, Susan. So the statue evokes lots of memories and it will be a very, very special event for Rutland."
"The sculptor, Mr Pratley, was recently the subject of an award winning photograph showing him at work on the Rutland statue."
"It will, I'm sure, be significant to his Majesty the King, in this difficult period in his life, who'll be remembering his mother on her birthday."