Queen Elizabeth II is being celebrated in her native England for her love of dogs.
On Sunday, in Oakham, England, a statue was unveiled to honor the late British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Coinciding with what would have been her 98th birthday, the statue is not only a posthumous tribute but also the first permanent memorial dedicated to Her Late Majesty. The Rutland County Council shared the news on Instagram, highlighting Oakham’s significance as the location for this historic monument.
The bronze statue depicts Elizabeth in a commanding stance, wearing an elegant gown, regal cape, and crown. Surrounding the queen are a collection of smaller corgi statues, paying homage to her enduring affection for the Welsh dog breed.
The Rutland County Council stated that the bronze statue of Britain’s beloved and longest reigning monarch has been crafted by Hywel Pratley and has been made possible through generous contributions from local businesses and members of the public.
The statue unveiling was carried out by Dr. Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, along with Debbie Sellin, the Bishop of Peterborough, and Alicia Kearns, a member of the U.K. Parliament. The Harrington School Band, Oakham School Band, bagpipes, and the U.K. national anthem added musical accompaniment to the event.
Queen Elizabeth II and her love for corgis: The British monarch was known for her deep affinity for corgi dogs. In fact, there were so many corgis in her household that Princess Diana once famously referred to them as ‘a moving carpet’.
Queen Elizabeth II’s love of corgis explained
Queen Elizabeth II was a devoted owner of over 30 corgi dogs during her lifetime, as reported by the American Kennel Club. The AKC acknowledges her as one of the most dedicated and prolific breeders and ambassadors for Pembroke Welsh corgis in the world.
Corgis, which were originally bred in Wales for herding cattle, are known for their athleticism. One distinctive feature of Corgis is their short legs, which is a result of a genetic condition called canine Chondrodysplasia. These short legs were intentionally bred into the dogs to ensure they remain close to the ground and can easily dodge kicks from cattle.
Susan later went on to be bred and became the common ancestor of Elizabeth’s corgis.
Contributors: Mike Snider, George Petras, Janet Loehrke, and Veronica Bravo from USA TODAY.
Check out the captivating photos of the bronze statue commemorating Queen Elizabeth II on her 98th birthday. The statue is adorned with adorable corgis, paying tribute to the queen’s love for these furry companions. This incredible artwork is truly a sight to behold!