Historic moment first memorial statue to the late Queen is unveiled on what ... trends now
This is the historic moment the first statue of Queen Elizabeth II since her death was unveiled today on what would have been her 98th birthday.
The unveiling was done to the cheers of crowds - and the approving barks of nearly 50 corgis.
The permanent memorial was also hailed 'absolutely amazing' and 'fantastic' by spectators.
The eye-catching seven-foot bronze statue went on display on what would have been the late Queen's 98th birthday with a group of corgis stealing the show.
It comes as King Charles marks the date by going to Crathie Kirk with Camilla.
The pair looked cheery this morning as they headed to Sunday service near Balmoral.
The statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II is unveiled today in Oakham, Rutland, today
The permanent memorial was also hailed 'absolutely amazing' and 'fantastic' by spectators
The eye-catching seven-foot bronze statue went on display on what would have been the late Queen's 98th birthday with a group of corgis stealing the show
The Welsh Corgi League were also in attendance today. Pictured is a corgi on the statue
Queen Elizabeth II pictured stroking Candy, her corgi dog, in January of 2022. The late Queen owned around thirty corgis, and the breed is often associated with the monarch
King Charles and Queen Camilla looked cheery this morning as they headed to Sunday service
The new statue takes pride of place outside the library in the market town of Oakham in Rutland, Britain's smallest county.
One resident, Hilda Townsend, said: 'It is just wonderful. We are the tiniest county but the first to honour the late majesty in such a big way. It is a very fitting tribute.'
Her husband John added: 'It is absolutely amazingly and, as Rutlanders, makes us extremely proud.'
The stunning statue depicts a youthful Queen Elizabeth - who stood at just 5ft 4in - in seven feet glory in flowing regal robes with three loyal corgi companions at her feet, one peeking out from the creases.
It serves as a permanent reminder to her remarkable 70-year reign and her enduring affection for the Pembroke Welsh breed.
Sculptor Hywel Pratley believes the memorial will become a hit not only with royal fans but will attract social media users wanting a selfie beside the late HM and her trio of corgis.
Speaking before the unveiling in front of an excited 400-strong crowd and with a host of local dignitaries attending, he said: 'The plinth is designed to be sat on and I can see the statue becoming popular with the Instagram generation, and why not?
'It will make perfect backdrop for pictures and people will be able to reach up and pat a dog or if small enough even sit in it's back!'
Proud Mr Pratley, 51, who is half Welsh and lives in Chelmsford, Essex, told how he chose the addition of the corgis for a 'bit of fun' and to 'tap into the late Queen's humanity and address her friendliness.'
Queen Elizabeth II looking at two of her corgis on the grounds of Windsor Castle
The unveiling was done to the cheers of crowds - and the approving barks of nearly 50 corgis
The stunning statue depicts a youthful Queen Elizabeth - who stood at just 5ft 4in - in seven feet glory in flowing regal robes with three loyal corgi companions at her feet
He explained he made the statue larger than life - 1.4 times bigger - because a 'life size Queen Elizabeth is too small. She deserves more.'
She is depicted in her 'younger to middle age' reign.
Mr Pratley said he was 'thrilled' by his 'most prominent work' and first statue to be commissioned in the country, adding: 'It is a very big day for me and Oakham.
'Onwards and upwards!'
The £125,000 statue was commissioned by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, following the Queen's death in September 2022.
Addressing the crowds in the spring sunshine, she said: 'We are witnessing a piece of history today with the first statue of Queen Elizabeth to be commissioned since her death and who gave us 70 years of exemplary service.
'Rutland may be a small county but the response to this had been huge with contributions from local businesses and individuals of varying sizes.
As she spoke barks from 46 dogs from the Welsh Corgi League rang out loud and clear, and she said, smiling: 'You can hear them!'
She added: 'The statue is for everyone.'
Before the highly anticipated main statue was unmasked two young children, who had won a local schools' art competition, had the privilege of each unveiling two of the three bronze corgis.
First up was 10-year-old Freddie Newsham, followed by Molly Banham, aged five, to a huge round of applause.
Before unmasking the statue of the late Queen, Dr
