First memorial statue to the late Queen is unveiled

The first memorial statue to the late Queen Elizabeth has been unveiled for her 98th birthday and features a touch that would have delighted the monarch.

The first memorial statue to the late Queen Elizabeth was unveiled on what would have been her 98th birthday, featuring a little touch she would have adored: her beloved corgis at her feet.

The unveiling attracted corgi lovers and their dogs including a delegation from The Welsh corgi League, upstaging the late monarch.

A newly-unveiled statue of Queen Elizabeth II is pictured on April 22, 2024 in Oakham, England. Picture: Carl Court/Getty Images

The statue is reportedly the first permanent memorial to the late monarch. Picture: Carl Court/Getty Images

The seven-foot bronze sculpture is believed to be the first memorial statue to the late Queen and depicts a larger than life monarch in her royal gowns with her iconic mascots playing around her.

At the stone base of the sculpture are three lifelike bronze corgis, one emerging proudly from beneath the royal robes.

It’s a historic tribute the Queen would have loved and is an affectionate tribute to her 70-year reign.

Great day yesterday at the unveiling of the late Queen’s statue in Oakham, and supporting #Corgis’ & owners from across the country. pic.twitter.com/7Mes35hpr6

— Simon Chapman (@SimonSimply) April 22, 2024

Sculptor Hywel Pratley thinks the memorial will attract all kind sof admirers, from fellow corgi lovers to tourists wanting a selfie with the Queen.

During her lifetime the Queen owned approximately 30 corgis and dorgis (dachshund corgi mix) and during her reign she was frequently photographed with the canines.

The Queen’s love of corgis began when her father King George VI gifted Princess Elizabeth a Welsh corgi when she was seven.

FERGIE’S AWKWARD BLUNDER ON QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY

Sarah Ferguson shared a sweet birthday message for the late Queen on Sunday, thanking her for being a “dear friend”.

The Duchess of York, 64, shared a snap of Her Majesty beaming, saying the royal was “sorely missed.”

But eagle-eyed fans spotted an awkward blunder in the Instagram post.

Fergie, who was diagnosed with cancer recently, wrote: “Today we are remembering Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 97th birthday.

“Thank you for all that you have taught us, for being a steadfast leader and dear friend. You are sorely missed.”

Royal fans were quick to point out her minor mistake.

In fact, Her Majesty was born today in 1926 – which would make her 98 today.

According to the Palace she died “peacefully” on September 8, 2022, aged 96.

Fans who spotted Fergie’s error gently let her know in the Instagram comments.

One wrote: “Eh, 98 would have been.”

Another said: “Your Highness it would have been her 98th birthday day.”

One other said: “1926 to 2024 should be 98.”

The Duchess Of York (Sarah Ferguson), The Duke Of York (Prince Andrew), with the Queen in happier time. Picture: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Fergie and the late Queen were thought to have had a special bond – and a secret chat about Prince Andrew in recent years, according to The Sun.

The royal has stood by her ex-husband Prince Andrew, despite their divorce decades ago.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward spoke to royal editor Matt Wilkinson on The Sun’s new show, Royal Exclusive and said: “Sarah must have talked to the Queen and she must have said ‘Please look after Andrew for me’.

“And that’s what she is going to do. I don’t think she will leave him and I don’t think they’ll get married again.”

Fergie and Prince Andrew are living under the same roof in separate wings of the Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Decades after their split there appear to be no hard feelings as Fergie moved back in with him and their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, in 2008.

Seward said Fergie has remained loyal to her ex-husband despite his alleged links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sarah Ferguson (left) has remained loyal to Prince Andrew, Duke of York despite divorce. Picture: Hollie Adams – WPA Pool/Getty Images"

She said: “Sarah is extremely loyal to Andrew. “I do think she found, especially in the early years of her marriage, this arrogance that he has – a ‘don’t you know who I am’ entitlement.

“She loved him but I think she found that side of him difficult. But she has remained very loyal.”

After her divorce from Andrew, she retained her Duchess of York title, but became a persona non grata with the senior royals.

“I can’t see the point of them remarrying unless it is for tax reasons,” Seward told The Sun. “Maybe their daughters would like them to remarry.

“I think Fergie is better off being her own person. She is still Sarah Duchess of York.

“I don’t think there is anything that would make the life better for either of them if they got remarried.”

Fergie previously told Australian media she and Andrew are the “happiest divorced couple in the world”.

– With The Sun.

Originally published as First memorial statue to the late Queen is unveiled