A bold decision has been made regarding the memorial statue of Queen Elizabeth II, and it's one that might just spark some debate. The late Queen's statue, a national monument, will depict her standing tall, a departure from the initial illustrations that showed her on horseback. This choice, announced by the memorial committee, has an intriguing backstory and some interesting implications.
The memorial, an ambitious project, will be located in St James's Park, not far from Buckingham Palace. It will consist of three statues, including one of Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, and a unique glass balustrade shaped like a tiara for a bridge. The main statue, designed by Martin Jennings, will showcase the Queen in a standing position, emphasizing her role as head of state. Jennings explained that this decision was made after careful consideration and research, following a sculptural tradition that depicts monarchs from the House of Windsor standing.
But here's where it gets controversial: the initial illustrations, which showed the Queen riding a horse, were not the final design. The Cabinet Office clarified that these images were merely illustrative, serving to showcase the size, scale, and location of the monument. So, why the change? Well, it seems the committee wanted to highlight Queen Elizabeth's regal stature and her role as a unifying figure, rather than her love for horses.
And this is the part most people miss: the statue's location is significant. It will stand near memorials to the Queen's parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, who are also depicted standing and wearing formal robes. This consistency in portrayal adds a layer of symbolism and respect to the memorial.
The sculptor of the second statue, Karen Newman, has an intriguing background. She has crafted images of famous figures like Charles Dance and Roger Daltrey, as well as Second World War heroines Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo. But here's a fun fact: Newman also has experience creating waxwork models at Madame Tussauds, including Prince Philip and former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair.
Newman expressed her honor at being chosen for this project, saying, "She [Queen Elizabeth] was an iconic and unifying figure in our national story. I am eager to capture the strength and complexity of her personality in my sculpture."
The project's architect, Lord Norman Foster, praised Newman's talent and sensitivity, believing she will bring dignity to the work.
However, the cost of the project, estimated between £23 million and £46 million, has drawn criticism from anti-monarchy group Republic. They argue that the royal family should foot the bill for the monument, not the government.
So, what do you think? Is this a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II? Should the royal family contribute financially to this memorial? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
