A Speech by His Majesty The King for the Unveiling of a Statue of Her Majesty The Late Queen, York Minster

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.