LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II unveiled a memorial to her late mother today, paying tribute to the beloved royal known for her sense of humor and dignity during a century marked by war and social upheaval.
The immense bronze depicting Queen Mother Elizabeth in the robes of the Order of the Garter was erected near an existing statue of her late husband, King George VI.
Two bronze friezes, depicting scenes of her life, were placed on either side. One showed her comforting Londoners during the blitz of World War II, a moment often remembered because she personified the city’s grit and determination to beat the Nazis.
“How blessed we were to have known her and her generosity of spirit,” Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, said as he dedicated the work.
He was joined by his sons, Princes William and Harry, and other senior members of the royal family.
The 9-foot-6-inch statue cost $2.9 million — all of it raised through the sale of coins celebrating the queen’s 80th birthday in 2006 by the Royal Mint.
Hundreds of onlookers watched as the queen sharply tugged a cord and brought the royal purple tarp down from the bronze.
Hilde Azike, a tourist from Germany, was thrilled to see the royal family — even if they were 100 yards away.
“We think we are quite lucky,” Azike said.
Edmund Limerick, 46, who works in financial services, suffered for eight months because the construction of the statue blocked his path to work. Today, he was blocked by the ceremony.
“I’m a fan of the Queen Mother,” he said, but added, “Could they not have done it on a weekend?”
The queen mother died in 2002 at age 101.
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