New Queen Elizabeth Statue Unveiled in Antrim Sparks Criticism for Lacking Likeness to the Late Monarch

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As a lifestyle expert with a keen eye for art and a deep appreciation for royal history, I must admit that my initial impression of the new statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Antrim Castle Gardens was underwhelming, to put it mildly. Having had the privilege of witnessing the grace and poise of the late queen during her numerous public appearances, I find the likeness depicted in this statue falls short of capturing her true essence.

Criticism is being directed towards a recently revealed statue of the late Queen Elizabeth in Antrim Castle Gardens, erected on September 6 as a commemoration of her passing exactly two years ago (September 8, 2022). The bronze sculpture features the queen, her late spouse Prince Philip, and two of her cherished corgis. However, several individuals have voiced their displeasure due to the statue’s apparent lack of similarity to the monarch.

Beneath a Facebook post by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough regarding the new statue, comments poured in showing discontent. One user lamented, “Horrible… remove it. It’s an affront to Her Majesty.” Another shared similar feelings, stating, “They should be taken down, melted and remade. That’s truly offensive.” A third supporter of the royal family suggested that those responsible for approving the model ought to have their vision checked, while a fourth user wondered, “Why can’t anyone find a sculptor who can create a likeness instead?

Despite most comments on the mentioned social media platform viewing the statue as disrespectful towards the late queen, Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Neil Kelly told the BBC that he considers the statue to be “beautiful” and a fitting “tribute, not just for the extraordinary life and reign of Her Majesty, but also for her strong bond with our community.

The Newtownabbey Borough Council supports the statue, as they explained in a statement to media outlets, pointing out that “art often sparks various viewpoints, but it’s crucial to underline that the sculpture has been generally well-received by those who have seen it in person.” As per the Council, this statue, situated near Belfast, where the late queen visited with her husband in 2016, successfully portrays her elegance and serves as an appropriate tribute to her.

A new monument, intended for revelation on what would’ve been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday in 2026, is currently being developed. It will be situated within London’s St. James Park.

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2024-09-12 13:22