Queen Elizabeth II statue unveiled in tribute ‘to a life of extraordinary service and devotion’

Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8, many tributes have been made in honour of her memory, however, the most recent tribute has encapsulated her “extraordinary service and devotion”.

On Wednesday, November 9, King Charles III unveiled the first statue of his late mother, the Queen, in the English city of York outside of the largest gothic cathedral in Britain, York Minister.

During the unveiling ceremony, King Charles told the crowd that his mother always remained “vigilant” when it came to the “welfare of her people” and that the statue “will watch over what will become Queen Elizabeth Square for centuries to come”.

“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 said.

“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 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.”

The King then pulled down the purple cloth covering the statue, revealing it to those who had gathered to get a glimpse of the poignant tribute.

 

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The King and Queen Consort Camilla’s visit to York was marred earlier in the day when a 23-year-old protestor attempted to egg the pair as they greeted crowds.

The King and Queen Consort brushed off the attempted egging, as all of the thrown eggs missed the Royal couple, and continued greeting members of the public in York.

The protester was heard booing the Monarch and shouting “this country was built on the blood of slaves” and “not my king” but as he was arrested, the crowd was heard shouting “shame on you” and “God save the King”.

Eggs thrown at Britain’s King Charles this morning in York.pic.twitter.com/XXCqEw39Qe

— Rob O’Hanrahan (@RobOHanrahan) November 9, 2022

Police and royalty protection were quick to drag the activist from the crowd, detaining his arms and legs before carrying him off to a police vehicle.

British media have identified the man as an Extinction Rebellion activist and former Green’s Party candidate, Patrick Thelwell.

Thelwell has a history of arrests, in 2019 he was arrested for a “peace tent” held in Trafalgar Square and in 2021, for obstructing a highway and interfering with newspaper printing presses.