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Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth as they visited the country's first permanent Memorial to her at okum in Rutland on Tuesday. As the first members of the royal family to visit the new memorial statue, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh braved the rain to stand next to the bronze statue and pay their respects.
The 7ft bronze statue depicts a young Queen Elizabeth in royal robes, with her beloved corgis seated at her feet. It was commissioned by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland and erected outside Okum library, funded by donations from local businesses and members of the public. The statue was unveiled on the Queen's 98th birthday last April as a permanent tribute to Britain's longest-reigning monarch in the county where she spent many happy times.
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For Edward and Sophie, this emotional visit was particularly poignant as the first royal family members to view the memorial in an official capacity. Videos shared on social media by the local council showed the somber couple walking towards the statue before pausing respectfully in front of it, paying tribute to the late Queen. Sophie looked elegant in her cream Prada wool coat, teamed with a printed silk blouse, dark green trousers and coordinating orange handbag and heels. Edward cut a smart figure in jeans, a light green jacket, shirt and tie, completing his look with brown leather shoes.
The visit understandably stirred great interest from royal fans. On social media, many expressed their appreciation for seeing the Duke and Duchess together, noting how much their appearances mean to the public. One commenter wrote that they "really enjoy seeing the Duke and Duchess out and about. They make me happy." Another added that "The Duchess of Edinburgh looks lovely. I love the color, cut of the coat and the bright colors of this very cute bag. Casually chic, relatable chic on any other day, wear some color and do some shopping." Clearly the couple's visit to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth, while facing the dreary weather, did not go unnoticed by the royal faithful.
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As President and Vice President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, of which Her Majesty was a patron, it was particularly poignant for Edward and Sophie to view this permanent tribute. In October, the couple joined other royals at a special service of Thanksgiving for the Queen at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, a somber occasion to remember Britain's longest-reigning monarch. Here in Rutland, they saw the first statue erected in tribute to Queen Elizabeth, a loving depiction of her with her beloved corgis.
Okum residents were deeply appreciative of Edward and Sophie's visit. Caroline Ashbury, who donated to the memorial's fund, said "We wanted to commemorate our links with the Queen and have a place where people can come and reflect. To have Their Royal Highnesses visit means such a lot. We are honored they made the time to come." Terry Gilbert, chairman of Rutland in Bloom, which helped fund the statue, added "We are thrilled and flattered they wanted to come and see it. Their visit is the ultimate endorsement of the project."
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As President and Vice President of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, Edward and Sophie continue their royal work with a focus on the younger generation. While the Trust carries on the Duke of Edinburgh’s living legacy of championing the youth of the Commonwealth, it also honors the Queen’s lifelong dedication to the alliance of nations. At their first joint public event since the Queen's death in September, the couple met young leaders in Rwanda supported by the QCT.
In recent months, Edward and Sophie have maintained a busy schedule of public engagements while also supporting their family during this difficult period of mourning. Just days after the Queen's funeral in September, they joined other royals at a thanksgiving service for her reign at Westminster Abbey. Behind the scenes, they have offered wise counsel and been a source of stability for King Charles as he assumes new duties. With a more prominent role as senior working royals, the couple are demonstrating they can capably represent the Royal Family at home and abroad through their dedication and duty.
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When visiting the new memorial statue in Rutland, Edward and Sophie provided an act of service by offering national recognition for this important tribute to the late sovereign. Their personal visit supported the local community in honoring Queen Elizabeth's legacy. For residents of Rutland, the county which the Queen frequented and admired, seeing this permanent memorial with the likeness of a youngElizabeth will help ensure she is never forgotten. Edward and Sophie served to cement that permanent remembrance by becoming the first royals to pay respects at this permanent and poignant tribute to Britain's longest reigning monarch.
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