A Speech by His Majesty The King for the Unveiling of a Statue of Her Majesty The Late Queen, York Minster
Published
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
Ladies and gentlemen,
My wife and I are deeply touched to have been asked to unveil this statue to my beloved mother.
When this statue was first planned five years ago, during a reign of unprecedented duration and achievement, it was intended as a celebration of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Now, as we have witnessed, with great sadness, the passing of that reign, it is unveiled in her memory, 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.
The symbolism of the statue, combining the signs of Church and of State, is perfectly suited to its place on the West Front of this glorious building.
It is a testament to the Minster's enduring mission of showing God’s love and presence to all.
The late Queen was always vigilant for the welfare of her people during her life. Now, her image will watch over what will become Queen Elizabeth Square, for centuries to come - a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and the duty we all share.
Related content
Remarks by The King at 'A King's Trust Celebration' at the Royal Albert Hall
You'll all make a huge difference to this country and many others.
A speech by His Majesty The King at the White House State Dinner, Washington
Tonight, we are here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security for both British and American citizens. Our people have...
The King’s Address to the Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington
The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.
The King’s message to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.
The King's letter to Colonel Jeremy Hansen ahead of the launch of the Artemis II mission
It is with immense pride and a profound sense of shared purpose that I write to you as you prepare to embark upon the Artemis II mission.
The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America followed by a Royal Visit by The King to Bermuda
A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room
I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...
The King's speech at the Nigeria State Banquet
We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at...
The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day
Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.
The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2026
Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that...
Royal Household Gift Policy 2026
This Gift Policy seeks to provide a framework for the management of gifts by The Royal Household, on behalf of The Sovereign and other Members of The Royal Family.
A message from His Majesty The King congratulating Team GB and teams across the Commonwealth on their successes at the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina.
As the Winter Games come to a close, my wife and I send our most heartfelt congratulations to all the Olympic medal winners from Team GB, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, on...
A message from The King on the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson
My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. We send our deepest sympathy to his family. I remember with great fondness meeting him...
The Queen hears about Avon and Somerset Police's approach to tackling domestic abuse
12 February 2026
A message from The King ahead of a reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate carers
So to those who provide care - whether you wear a uniform or simply the clothes you felt able to pull on in the morning - please know that the great love you show in small...
A message from The King, following the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia
My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. We can only express our deepest...