New statue of late Queen sparks ridicule: ‘Melt it down’

It was supposed to be a sweet tribute – but a new statue has instead been compared with “Mrs Doubtfire” and sparked global ridicule.

IN LONDON

A new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II has prompted global ridicule, with some critics describing it as “a monstrosity” and pointing out it looks more like “Mrs Doubtfire” than the former monarch.

It was unveiled alongside a separate likeness of the late Prince Philip and two corgis at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday.

Antrim and Newtonabbey Borough Council had commissioned local artist Anto Brennan to create the tribute, and said it captured the queen “in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service.”

A bronze sculpture depicting Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has raised plenty of eyebrows. Picture: Peter Murphy/AFP

It was supposed to be a tribute to the late monarch. Picture: Anthony Devlin - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Others, however … did not agree.

Leading the online backlash was outspoken British media personality Piers Morgan, who wrote on X that “this new statue of the late, great Queen is diabolical.”

And there was plenty of similar feedback.

Among the most cutting: “It is awful … Melt it down and start again”, “blooming awful”, “looks utterly ridiculous”, “an injustice”, and “rigid, dowdy and facially unrecognisable – this is just so disappointing.”

“It’s actually an insult to her majesty’s memory, looks nothing like her,” another person wrote, while an angry local pointed out that the council should pay for it, rather than taxpayers.

Some suggested it looked more like Mrs Doubtfire. Picture: Peter Murphy/AFP

Even Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor Vera McWilliam agreed with the criticism, telling BBC News: “We have to be honest, it does not resemble the queen in any shape or form.”

But there was some support for the artist among the negativity.

“Such a shame people can only find fault in these but don’t think about the time and effort this guy has put into making them,” one person commented.

“Don’t know what all the criticism is of the Queen’s statue. I think it’s a great likeness,” another person argued on X.

Meanwhile, comments beneath the council’s Facebook post about the unveiling of the statue appear to have been turned off.