Rutland to unveil memorial statue for Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 98th birthday

A memorial statue of Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled on what would have been her 98th birthday.

Rutland’s tribute is believed to be the first public statue in the country to have been commissioned since she died on September, 8 2022.

The project was spearheaded by Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, who wanted to recognise the Queen’s lifetime of service.

She has been overwhelmed by the level of public support and is looking forward to the community coming together for the unveiling ceremony outside Oakham Library on Sunday, April 21 at 2pm.

Dr Furness said: “I’m so thrilled to reach this point. It has been amazing to receive so many donations from people and I think the statue will look lovely in the library gardens.”

The statue has been made by sculptor Hywel Pratley at Le Blanc Fine Arts Foundry in Saxby, near Melton Mowbray. It cost £125,000 and has mostly been funded by private donations. It will sit on a 5ft stone plinth with three corgi dogs also cast in bronze around the base.

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Members of The Welsh Corgi League – both human and canine – will attend the service along with county dignitaries. Oakham’s Market Place will be closed to traffic to make space for a small funfair and food stalls.

Dr Furness added: “This is quite an achievement for our county. I’m delighted.”

Has the area done enough to mark the long reign of the Queen? Have your say in the comments below.