Queen’s statue: Jennie Bond defends Sadiq Khan

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

A statue in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II has been proposed for the fourth plinth of Trafalgar Square, a position currently used to showcase an array of modern sculptures. Sadiq Khan has opposed calls for such a memorial as the London Mayor argued the fourth plinth should remain a rotating display platform for contemporary art. Appearing on GB News, royal commentator Jennie Bond revealed she backed the opinions of Mr Khan. She said: “I think he is just standing up for contemporary art.”

Speaking on GB News, Ms Bond declared her support for the London Mayor, commenting: “I’m quite with Sadiq Khan on this.”

She continued: “I think the fourth plinth should be for contemporary art and it should change every two years.

“It was Prue Leith’s idea back in the 1990s and I think Prue showed very good judgement. 

“The Labour administration of Sadiq Khan has made it clear that there are plenty of places within London where there could be a statue of the Queen.

“The Labour administration would be absolutely for that, they’ve just got to discuss it with the Royal Family.”

A spokesman for Sadiq 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.”

From the end of 2022, the space will be occupied by a statue of John Chilembwe, a baptist who led an uprising against colonial rule in Malawi, created by artist Samson Kambalu. In 2024, a modern sculpture titled “850 imprints” by Teresa Margolles will fill the fourth plinth for a further two years.

The London Mayor’s office has clarified that Mr Khan would be in support of a memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in a different location within the capital.

A statement read: “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.”

Read more: Sadiq Khan sends message to anti-royal protesters on GMB

Ms Bond told GB News: “Look, I don’t like modern art very much, but I have room for it in my heart and I think we should broaden our horizons.”

She suggested a series of alternative locations at which a tribute to the late Queen would be viewed as more fitting. 

Ms Bond said: “What about horseguards? Why don’t we have a statue in there – it’s huge. 

“Or, half way down The Mile. The Mile is a very wide avenue and halfway down she could be just outside Clarence House and looking at Buckingham Palace.”

Don’t miss: 
Beatrice pictured for the first time since Queen’s death [PICTURES]
Prince William’s decision on Camilla – ‘Not children’s step-grandma’ [REVEAL]
Mike Tindall recalls his serious royal blunder in front of the King  [INSIGHT]

The proposal for a statue in memory of the late monarch has been largely popularised by Sir John Hayes’s address to the House of Commons. 

The Conservative MP suggested a “fitting national memorial needs to be established” and claimed the fourth plinth would offer an “ideal” space to showcase the work.

Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt told her colleagues the plans for a statue would require further consideration and discussion with “bodies outside of the House”.

Ms Mordaunt confirmed she planned to raise the issue with Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan to allow for the appropriate teams to be consulted on the final decision.

Read next: 
Queen Elizabeth’s £200,000 engagement ring was altered using tiara 
William and Harry arrived hours after Queen’s death, document confirms
King Charles may ‘coordinate’ visits with Harry and Meghan
Meghan and Harry warned ‘giant storm about to break’ with royals
Royal expert shares why Queen ‘stood by’ Andrew ‘until the very end’

Source: Read Full Article