On 14th December 2022 His Majesty King Charles III visited the Palace of Westminster for a visit of thanksgiving and remembrance in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II. During the visit the King unveiled the new sculptures gifted to the Queen by parliamentarians in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee. Featuring the four heraldic beasts of the United Kingdom the sculptures also serve as illuminated beacons.
Speaking of the event, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said “ Seeing King Charles unveil our traditional gift to his mother … was particularly poignant. We wanted to present something long-lasting, beautiful and emblematic of the esteem in which we held our Queen…and I believe these ornate lamps do just that.”
Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lord Speaker, said “ For 70 years the country has been privileged to witness ( the Queen’s) commitment to constitutional monarchy, and was rightfully admired for her loyalty and faithfulness to duty. These sculptures will serve as beacons to future generations, reminding them of the magnificence of her reign and the esteem in which she was held”