A commemorative statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by her beloved corgis, has been unveiled in the East Midlands town of Oakham, Rutland. The 7ft (2.1m) bronze monument, created by sculptor Hywel Pratley, was unveiled on what would have been the Queen’s 98th birthday. The statue has been welcomed by local residents and is displayed outside a library in Oakham.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022 at the age of 96. While parks and venues have been dedicated to her memory, statues honoring the late monarch have been relatively scarce, especially in London. One of the few existing statues of the Queen in the capital is located at the Royal Albert Hall, depicting her alongside her husband, Prince Philip.
In addition to the new statue in Oakham, a handful of other memorials to Queen Elizabeth II can be found across the UK. The only equestrian statue of the monarch is located in Windsor Great Park, while a memorial in York was unveiled following her death in 2022. Work is also underway on statues in Newcastle-Under-Lyne and Test Valley near Southampton.
The unveiling of the new statue in Oakham serves as a poignant tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and her enduring legacy, while also highlighting the relatively limited number of statues dedicated to her memory. As her reign was marked by unprecedented duration and achievement, the creation of these memorials provides an opportunity to celebrate her life of extraordinary service and devotion.
