On November 9, King Charles unveiled a statue of Elizabeth II at York Minster Cathedral. The statue is the first statue of Queen Elizabeth unveiled since her death on September 8, 2022.
Made of French lepine limestone, the statue stands at almost 7 feet tall and weighs over 1.1 tonnes.
The statue memorialized Her Late Majesty in the robes of the Order of the Garter, wearing the famed George IV diadem, usually used by Elizabeth II at the State Opening of Parliament. The Sovereignās Orb and Sceptre were also depicted in the sculpture, which stands in an alcoveĀ above the Great West Door at the cathedral.
The Order of the Garter, created in 1348 by Edward II, is the oldest Order of Chivalry in Great Britain. King Charles succeeded Her Late Majesty as Sovereign of the Garter.
The King gave a short speech at the unveiling. His Majesty said:
āMy wife and I are deeply touched to have been asked to unveil this statue to my beloved mother. When this statue was first planned five years ago, during a reign of unprecedented duration and achievement, it was intended as a celebration of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Now, as we have witnessed, with great sadness, the passing of that reign, it is unveiled in her memory, as a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and devotion.
The creation of this statue is also, if I may say so, a tribute to the support, affection and prayers that the community of this cathedral, and of this great city, always gave the late Queen, and all for which she stood in the life of the nation and the Commonwealth.
It is a testament to the Minster’s enduring mission of showing Godās love and presence to all.
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 the duty we all share.ā
Before the unveiling, the King and the Queen Consort joined the Archbishop of York and other community leaders for a service at York Minster. Their Majesties also looked at a new exhibition explaining how the statue was made.
The statue was completed in August by cathedral stonemason Richard Bossons, who won a competition to create the statue for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
