First statue of Queen Elizabeth after her death unveiled by King Charles III
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London: In York, England, King Charles III unveiled a statue of Queen Elizabeth that had been built in her honour. Since her passing on September 8 of this year, this is the first statue of the Queen to be officially unveiled. According to a BBC report, the enormous 6ft 7in sculpture was made to honour the Queen's 70 years of devotion to the throne and was completed in August, the month before she passed away.
"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," King Charles III said during the inauguration ceremony.
The King also proclaimed in front of the audience that her sculpture would "look over" the city. After a service inside the cathedral, a maquette of the statue was presented to the King.
The figure was carved by York Minster stone mason Richard Bossons and is composed of French Lepine limestone, according to the BBC. Its weight is reportedly close to two tonnes. The sculpture, according to the article, is on exhibit in a niche on the cathedral's west front.
According to the sculpture's details, the Queen is depicted wearing the George IV State Diadem and Garter robes and holding the orb and sceptre, which are emblems of authority.
According to the BBC, the Queen herself chose the statue and was to go on exhibit in September. Her passing, however, delayed the same.
During an engagement in northern England on November 10, police captured a man after eggs were hurled at King Charles III and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla. The eggs shattered on the ground as they flew past the two royals.