A memorial from Rutland to the late Queen Elizabeth II will be mostly funded through private donations, with £5,000 donated by Oakham Town Council.

On Tuesday 28 February, Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland launched the appeal to raise funds for a memorial statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II at a reception in Oakham Castle.

Initially, it was thought the statue would cost £125,000, but the team behind the creation, including Sarah Furness and artist, Hywel Pratley, are confident that they can reduce the cost of the tribute.

Upon the death of Her Majesty in September 2022, tributes poured in from all over the county and people felt personally bereaved by the loss. Rutland's own Lord-Lieutenant received many letters, highlighting Rutland's loyalty to our late Queen. 

She said: "Her Majesty's death came as a shock and an emotional blow. 

"Her Majesty had been a focus of national identity and stability through immense changes and throughout most of our lives. It is the result of this strong feeling that this statue project was born. 

"Our statue will be a tangible reflection of Rutland's respect and affection for our late Queen."

The statue will be erected in the heart of Oakham. Image credit: Nub News.

Community donations and a pledge from Oakham Town Council have already raised half of the required funds demonstrating strong local support for this project from a community with a tradition of service, volunteering, and admiration for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

It is hoped that the statue will be erected in September to mark the anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth's passing.

Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, said: "It is wonderful to hear that Rutland has been announced as the home of the UK's first permanent memorial statue for Queen Elizabeth II.

"The statue will stand outside Oakham Library and will hopefully be unveiled in time for the first anniversary of the Queen's death.

"The end of Her Majesty's reign saw the end of a truly extraordinary era, and this memorial will be a fitting tribute to mark her dedication to our nation."

However, a few Rutland residents have taken to social media to condemn the expense. Some have shared their opinion that Oakham Town Council could ring-fence the £5,000 for something more central to the local community.

However, there has also been confusion, with some asking why Rutland County Council are spending money on such a project, which is not the case.

The statue will be funded mostly through private donations from Rutland residents and those passionate about the Monarchy.

Dr Sarah Furness explained: "We aren't forcing anyone to give money. We have no statues in Rutland, which is amazing, and I think that this would be something from the people of Rutland for future generations."

"There is always an argument for and against any art project […] but this will last for thousands of years and is something special for the county and will commemorate the strong feeling everybody had for Her Majesty."

She added: "What I am encouraged by is that so many people are positive about the project and we haven't had much resistance."

Donations are now being accepted to support this project.

Donations of £5,000 or more will enable to donor to have their name, the name of a loved one, or a business name engraved into the plinth.

Lord-Lieutenant Sarah Furness concluded: "I am aware most of us can't afford £5,000, so what ever you can afford we will be very grateful."

Those wishing to donate can do so via the Lieutenancy website where there is a Pay Pal Button or send a cheque marked 'Rutland Lieutenancy Fund' to:

The Old Vicarage

Whissendine

Rutland

LE15 7HG