Royal fans have slammed the latest design for a memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The latest concept images of the landmark, set to be constructed in St. James's Park in London, were released by the Cabinet Office last night, on what would have been her 100th birthday. An earlier artist impression featured Britain's longest reigning monarch on a horse. But the animal is not present in the new pictures.
@pennyarnie wrote on X: "The late Queen on a horse would have been far more fitting." @according2_taz shared a picture of the original design, commenting: "How utterly disappointing! You should have gone ahead with the original design! That would have been a fitting tribute to one of the greatest women in history!"
@seeds_we_sow wrote: "All dreadful largely pointless and a stark contrast to the original statue proposal of the Queen on a horse which was magnificent. You've all let the late Queen down badly." Sarah Delore wrote: "I cannot believe King Charles approved these hideous designs for memorial sculptures of his parents. The horse statue design was perfect, there was no good reason to change it. Shame on the memorial committee."
@wilderness217 typed: "What happened to the horse? Pretty sure you asked public opinion and people did vote.
@Rik_w2010 wrote: "This is a very poor quality sculpture. Surely you could get a sculptor who could get the details right and the likeness better? I preferred the proposal for The Late Queen on horseback."
@annalesueur said: "The public loved the one of the queen on horseback. This one seems less significant."
@Dancane93 wrote: "This looks terrible. The statues don't even look like the late Queen or prrince philip. Should have stuck to the original design of the late Queen on horseback."
Another person even compared the design to one the US President would like.
@Bartlebeans wrote: "She was happiest on a horse. Why in God's name is she not riding through the park on a horse? This is Trumpian in its glitz. Ersatz!"
@PritaniDan wrote: "Looks terrible. A mediocre statue for our longest-reigning monarch, and both statues look nothing like them.
"I've seen better statues of Queen Victoria in provincial towns than this p***-poor effort."
The Cabinet Office said: "The permanent memorial park, designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, commemorates Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her lifelong commitment to public service. It features a new standing statue of Queen Elizabeth overlooking The Mall at Marlborough Gate, close to Buckingham Palace.
"The statue, to be sculpted in bronze by acclaimed sculptor Martin Jennings, will show Her Majesty in an early stage of her reign dressed in the robes of the Order of the Garter, using the famous painting by Pietro Annigoni as an inspiration. Mr Jennings will also sculpt a nearby statue of Prince Philip, the longest-serving consort, at a similar age wearing a uniform of Admiral-of-the-Fleet.
"His statue will be located close to Queen Elizabeth's, in recognition of the support he gave her during her 70-year reign. The appearance of both statues will be further refined during the sculpting process."
Officials added: "The permanent memorial will also feature: a new cast-glass bridge inspired by Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara, which was worn by Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day; a bust of Her Majesty in her later years by sculptor Karen Newman; and The Commonwealth Wind Sculpture, a new abstract work by Yinka Shonibare.
"The design also includes gardens dedicated to the Commonwealth and to the nations of the United Kingdom, creating spaces for relaxation and reflection.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: "As our longestserving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II devoted her life to public service. The nation will commemorate her extraordinary reign with a memorial that offers a place of reflection for generations to come."
Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, Lord Janvrin, said: "Our task has been to recommend a memorial capturing her role, her personality and what she meant to so many of us - whilst being of public benefit which was so important to her.
"We hope the physical Memorial will enhance a most beautiful space in the heart of our capital for people to meet, relax and reflect, whilst the new Queen Elizabeth Trust aims to benefit local communities in every part of the United Kingdom."
Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners Lord Foster said: "The Queen's reign encompassed periods of significant change - socially and technologically - which she negotiated with incredible composure and stability.
"The memorial reaches across all ages and interests - and communicates the common values that Her Majesty promoted. With a serene and contemplative atmosphere, there will be opportunities to rediscover - or perhaps for some to discover - the legacy of Her Majesty."
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