A statue of Queen Elizabeth II, believed to be the first permanent tribute to the late monarch, has been revealed in Rutland, drawing hundreds of attendees to the unveiling ceremony. The 7ft (2.1m) bronze statue, sculpted by Hywel Pratley on commission from Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, now stands outside a library in Oakham.

The official celebration took place on the Queen’s birthday, with crowds gathering for prayers and speeches. Jodie Paterson, a spectator, expressed her admiration for Pratley’s work, describing the moment as ‘quite emotional.’ She had closely followed the sculptor’s progress and was eager to witness the final masterpiece, stating, ‘I miss [the Queen] and I wanted to come and see what the statue was like.’

Residents and visitors alike enjoyed the festive atmosphere in Oakham, with Dan Grant noting the rare occurrence of such grand events in Rutland. The statue, costing £125,000, was predominantly funded by donations from businesses and the public, and now stands at the junction of Catmos Street and Stamford Road.

Although it was initially anticipated that King Charles III would attend the unveiling, the event proceeded without his presence. Attendees, including Jo Hayward from Suffolk, traveled significant distances to witness the historic moment, with some, like Hayward, even bringing their pets along.

The unveiling of the Queen Elizabeth II statue marks a significant milestone in Rutland’s history, drawing attention and admiration from near and far. The statue’s symbolic placement and the community’s enthusiastic support reflect a deep reverence for the late monarch and a shared sense of pride among the residents of Rutland.