Queen Elizabeth II’s First Posthumous Statue Appears, Leaving Crowd Divided
The newly-crowned King Charles III recently unveiled the first posthumous statue of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, outside York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Britain.
Made out of French limestone, the sculpture depicts the Queen donned in Garter robes, wearing the George IV State Diadem crown, and holding her royal orb and scepter—which as per CNN, are symbols of her past role as the head of church and state.
The commemorative monument, which honors the Queen’s life of service and dedication, was designed by Minster stonemason Richard Bossons and is a sight to behold, weighing an estimated 4,000 pounds and standing at 6.5 feet tall.
The King unveils a statue of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth at @York_Minster.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 9, 2022
Designed and carved by Minster stonemason, Richard Bossons, the statue honours the life of service and dedication of Queen Elizabeth II.
🔗 https://t.co/WXkSmy6pYA pic.twitter.com/mHcsEOoFh9
Of course, with the unveiling of any highly-public figure, there were mixed opinions from the public on if the sculpture accurately captured the Queen’s likeness. Some said the statue’s body didn’t resemble the late Monarch’s small stature, while others considered it “a remarkably good likeness.”
According to King Charles III, the statue was planned over five years ago, and had originally been intended as a celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, though it is now “a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and devotion.”
“The late Queen was always vigilant for the welfare of her people during her life. Now, her image will watch over what will become Queen Elizabeth Square, for centuries to come—a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and duty we all share.”
It’s a really good likeness.
— Snpout. (@MundayHugh) November 9, 2022
Idk. She wasn't fat and the face doesn't look like her. Modern statues should be put on pause. I actually liked the queen. This guy not so much.
— Tweeders🦖💃🦖KPSS (@tweeders55) November 10, 2022
A marvellous tribute to Her Late Majesty ðŸ‘ðŸ»
— 👑 Dame 🎸Beatle 🦉 Owl (@susanh8484) November 9, 2022
Love the gesture but the Queen was beautiful and this statue doesn’t do her justice. Where is that billion dollar smile? She deserves more! She dedicated her life in service. We love and miss her terribly.
— Daze (@standwithCuomo) November 9, 2022
This looks the Spitting Image version of the queen!
— Sky (@Glitterheart79) November 9, 2022
Facially very poor. Could the sculpture not be made to look like our Queen ?
— Jenny (@Jenny57715260) November 9, 2022
It looks powerful
— Zaddy (@xavierfidel1) November 10, 2022
This doesn’t do the Queen justice looks nothing like her
— Lorraine Brown (@BrownMlady07) November 10, 2022
[via CNN and The Royal Family, cover image via Speedfighter17 | Dreamstime.com and The Royal Family]
