The new sculpture in the English city of York was unveiled on Wednesday outside York Minster, Britain’s largest Gothic cathedral, and pays tribute to the late monarch’s service and dedication. “When this statue was first designed five years ago, during a reign of unprecedented length and achievement, it was intended as a celebration of the late Queen’s platinum jubilee,” the King said in a speech at a rain-soaked unveiling ceremony holding a black umbrella. . “Now, as we have seen, with great regret, the passing of this reign, it has been revealed to her memory, as a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and devotion,” he continued. “The late Queen was always alert to the welfare of her people during her lifetime. Now, her image will watch over Queen Elizabeth Square for centuries to come,” he added, before pulling down the purple cloth covering the towering statue. looking into York’s new public square from above one of the cathedral entrances. Before the unveiling, the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell described the “unique occasion” as an “extremely poignant moment” honoring “the long life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to her people, her nation and the Commonwealth”. The Queen died aged 96 on September 8, just months after celebrating an unprecedented seven decades on the throne. Her memorial statue, which was designed and carved by York Minster stonemason Richard Bossons, stands just over six and a half feet tall and weighs around 4,000 pounds. The French limestone sculpture shows the late Queen in Garter robes, crowned with the George IV Diadem of State, and holding the orb and scepter — symbols of her role as head of church and state. “She will stand proud and resolute in her position, welcoming worshipers and visitors alike,” Bossons said in a statement.
A flawed arrival
Earlier on Wednesday, a 23-year-old man was arrested “on suspicion of a public order offence” after throwing eggs at the King and Queen Consort during their visit to York, North Yorkshire Police said. None of the eggs hit the royals, who continued their engagement, meeting members of the local community. The man was interviewed and released on police bail, the force said in a briefing on Thursday.
