On Wednesday, The King and Queen Consort carried out engagements in York, where they paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II by unveiling the first statue of the late Monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8th September at Balmoral Castle.
The couple arrived in the county’s capital through Micklegate Bar, one of York’s historic gateways through the city’s walls – the traditional route for royal arrivals.
Here, Charles and Camilla observed a Welcoming Ceremony from the Lord Mayor.
Defying the weather, King Charles unveiled a new statue of his ‘beloved mother’ at York Minister and followed by giving a short speech.
This came after a short service inside the Minster for the occasion, where they were also shown a replica model of the statue.
He opened his speech by saying the statue was planned five years ago ‘during a reign of unprecedented duration and achievement’ and was originally ‘intended as a celebration of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee’.
King Charles highlighted how it is with ‘great sadness’ the purpose of the statue has now changed as it acts as ‘a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and devotion’.
‘The creation of this statue is also, if I may say so, a tribute to the support, affection and prayers that the community of this cathedral, and of this great city, always gave the late Queen, and all for which she stood in the life of the nation and the Commonwealth’.
York Minster is England’s second most senior diocese, making the Archbishop of York one of the most senior clergymen in the country. The grand church we see today was begun in between 1220, but a place of worship has been on the site for more than 1300 years.
With the late Queen being the former head of the Church of England, The King noted how the statue combines ‘the signs of Church and of State’ and is ‘perfectly suited to its place on the West Front of this glorious building’.
The King unveils a statue of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth at @York_Minster.
Designed and carved by Minster stonemason, Richard Bossons, the statue honours the life of service and dedication of Queen Elizabeth II.
? https://t.co/WXkSmy6pYA pic.twitter.com/mHcsEOoFh9
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 9, 2022
‘It is a testament to the Minster’s enduring mission of showing God’s love and presence to all’.
Highlighting the Queen’s devotion to public service, Charles stated how the Queen was ‘always vigilant for the welfare of her people during her life’.
He concluded his speech by stating how the image of the late Queen will now watch over the people of York for centuries to come and will be ‘a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and the duty we all share’.
The 6ft 7in sculpture was completed in August, the month before Elizabeth II died.
The statue, which sits at the west front of the Minster, is thought to weigh nearly two tonnes and is made from French lepine limestone. It depicts the late Queen wearing Garter robes and the George IV State Diadem. She is also holding the orb and sceptre, potent symbols of her role as Sovereign.
The design was chosen by the late Monarch and originally due to be unveiled in September, but it was postponed after the Queen’s death.
?? Patrick Thelwell, 23, has been charged with a Section 4 public order offence for throwing eggs at The King and Queen yesterday.
His bail conditions mean he is banned from carrying eggs in public (outside of food shopping) and must to stay at least 500m away from The King. https://t.co/KLInmg96Uj
— The Crown Chronicles (@crownchronicles) November 10, 2022
Earlier during the visit, eggs were thrown at The King and Queen Consort by a protester threw, who shouted ‘this country was built on blood of slavery’.
The man in question, Patrick Thelwell, 23 and a student in the city, was charged with a Section 4 public order offence. His bail conditions mean he is banned from carrying eggs in public (outside of food shopping) and must to stay at least 500m away from The King in future.
A moment enjoyed by royal fans saw Charles and Camilla meet five-year-old Jason, a local visually impaired boy.
Yesterday, The King & Queen met Jason, 5, who is visually impaired, in York.
Jason was worried he might not be able to see Their Majesties; his family spoke to the council and the Palace arranged a meeting.
Jason said he felt 'calm, happy & excited' to meet Charles & Camilla. pic.twitter.com/METqkc7omT
— The Crown Chronicles (@crownchronicles) November 10, 2022
Jason was worried he might not be able to see Their Majesties during their visit to the city. His family reached out to York Council to explain the situation. Buckingham Palace then helped to arrange meeting for the youngster.
Jason said he felt ‘calm, happy and excited’ when he met the royal couple.
The visit was part of a wider trip to Yorkshire, seeing the pair head to Bradford, Leeds, and Doncaster.
