Despite his ongoing battle with cancer, King Charles received heartening news connected to honoring his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
A towering statue of Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled in Rutland, England's smallest county, bringing a sense of joy and remembrance to the community. The town of Oakham was chosen for this tribute, funded by the community and marking the first of its kind since the Queen's passing.
Standing at 7ft tall on a 5ft plinth in the library gardens, the bronze statue features three corgis, the Queen's beloved dogs. Donations totaling approximately £140,000, mostly contributed by individuals in memory of the late Queen, made the project possible. Sculptor Hywel Pratley dedicated over a year to crafting the intricate statue, beginning work in January 2023.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by hundreds, was graced by the Bishop of Peterborough, Rutland's MP, and the Lord-Lieutenant. They proudly celebrated the occasion, recognizing the significance of three women representing the church, monarchy, and government revealing a statue of England's longest-reigning monarch, who was also a woman.
Rev. Debbie Sellin, the Bishop of Peterborough, expressed her sentiments, stating, "It's a privilege for the church to be involved in this unveiling, celebrating something so important for the whole community."
