Statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Trafalgar Square gets MPs backing

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A plan to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II with a statue at Trafalgar Square has been snubbed by London mayor Sadiq Khan. Despite the popularity of the idea, the mayor has confirmed that the plinth will carry on hosting temporary installations, with a new statue being put up every two years.

The most recent statue was unveiled yesterday, one of the Malawian anti-colonialist John Chilembwe by artist Samson Kambalu .

The work is entitled Antelope and recreates a photograph from 1914 at the opening of Chilembwe’s new church in Nyasaland – now Malawi – in which the preacher has his hat on next to missionary John Chorley.

This was in defiance of the colonial rule that forbade Africans from wearing hats in front of white people.

After the Queen’s death on September 8 there have been calls for a permanent statue to be erected on the plinth to celebrate her 70 year reign.

The plinth was first intended for a statue of William IV, but it was never completed and the plot was empty from the 19th century to the end of the 20th, reported the Mail.

A spokesperson for Mr Khan said: “The fourth plinth will continue to showcase new works by world-class artists for the foreseeable future.

“There are planned fourth plinth exhibits for the next four years.

“Samson Kambalu’s new commission, unveiled today, Antelope, will be in situ until September 2024.”

There is still potential for a statue of the Queen to be erected elsewhere in London.

The spokesperson said: “A statue of the Queen at a suitable location in London is a matter for the Royal Family to consider and, of course, the Greater London Authority stands ready to support them in their wishes.”

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Royal fans wishing to pay tribute to the late monarch will be able to visit Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel when they reopen to the public on Thursday.

The public will be able to view the ledger stone in the King George VI Memorial Chapel inscribed with the Queen’s names and dates, alongside other members of the Royal Family.

Her Majesty has been laid to rest alongside Prince Philip, King George VI, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

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