King Charles to unveil new statue of the Queen in York

King Charles III will unveil a statue of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II during a two day visit to Yorkshire. The two-metre (6ft 7in) statue will be the first posthumous statue of the late monarch two months after she died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96.It will stand on an empty niche next to the south west door on the West Front of the 800-year-old York Minister Cathedral.The statue was originally meant to be unveiled in September to mark the Platinum Jubilee.However, plans for the unveiling were put on hold following the Queen’s death on September 8.The King will be accompanied by Camilla the Queen Consort for the trip. King Charles at the headquarters of Morrisons in Bradford on Tuesday (Image: Getty Images ) The St George’s Flag at York Minister flying at half mast following the death of the Queen (Image: Getty Images )Civic dignitaries will greet the royal couple at York’s Micklegate Bar before they attend a service prior to the unveiling of the statue.Lord Mayor of York David Carr said that the day of the unveiling would be a tribute to the Queen’s service and legacy.He said: “I am thrilled to be able to welcome him on what I am certain will be a day which combines great joy at his visit and reflection on the great service and legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.”The statue was designed by expert carver and stone mason Richard Bosson who has been part of York Minister’s Stoneyard team since 2011.READ MORE: Meghan and Harry’s bid to ‘cash in’ caused Queen to ‘finally hit back’ Elizabeth II being presented with an Easter egg on a visit to York in 2012 (Image: Getty Images ) A young Prince Charles speaking to the Queen Mother at a wedding at York Minster in 1961 (Image: Getty Images )He has portrayed the late monarch in her garter robes with the orb and sceptre which where the symbols of her office as head of the Church and State.The Queen is also depicted wearing the George IV State Diadem.Carved from a block of Lepine stone the French stone used in the statue has previously been used for figurative carvings on the Minister.It was also used for the restoration of the West Window in 2000.DON’T MISS: Kate and William ‘risk wrath’ of Princess Anne after breaking protocol [REVEAL] Meghan ‘powering through pain’ of being branded ‘difficult’ [INSIGHT] Donald Trump broke royal protocol meeting King Charles and Camilla [SPOTLIGHT]  A portrait of Elizabeth II in York Minster following her death (Image: Getty Images )Mr Bosson said that the statue which will weigh nearly two tonnes will reflect the “poise” and “presence” of the late monarch.He said: “There have been several challenges to overcome with this project in terms of the design.”First and foremost, I have to complement the magnificent medieval facade of the Minster.”The statue needs to be part of the fabric, not a distraction from it, yet it also has to have the poise and presence befitting of the Queen’s unique role as Head of Church and State.”The figure is posed to form a protective gesture around the orb and sceptre, while Her Majesty’s gaze is aligned across the proposed Queen Elizabeth Square, the principal approach to York Minster.”She will stand proud and resolute in her niche, welcoming worshippers and visitors alike.”After their visit to York the King and the Queen Consort will will travel to Doncaster on Thursday one of the eight towns granted city status to mark the Platinum Jubilee.