The unveiling of the York Minster statue of the Queen has been postponed.
It was due to take place today (Friday, 23 September).
But the Minster said in a statement: “The ceremony to unveil and bless a new statue of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II at York Minster on Friday (23 September) has been postponed, as a mark of respect for the period of Royal Mourning.
“A new date to unveil and bless the statue will be announced in due course.”
The statue of the Queen, sculpted by Minster stone mason Richard Bossons, is already in place on the West Front, covered by a cloth.
Under the original plans, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell was due to unveil and bless the statue the statue of Queen Elizabeth II on the West Front of the cathedral.
Then he was due to view ‘Sculpting the Monarch’ a new exhibition in the Minster’s North Transept, which tells the story of the making of the statue.
This was all arranged before the death of Her Majesty and the accession of King Charles III.
The first unveiling of a statue of his mother since her passing would seem the perfect opportunity to invite the King to the city.
And the Lord Mayor of York Cllr David Carr told the York Press that he would be ‘delighted’ to welcome the new monarch.
YorkMix asked the York Minster authorities if they had issued an invitation to King Charles. We were told they would not be issuing a response.
Similarly, City of York Council, who could issue their own invitation, led by the Lord Mayor, say it is not for them to comment, but for the Minster.
So watch this royal space…
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