QUEEN Elizabeth II is recreated in clay for her first memorial statue — with a beloved corgi at her feet.
Sculptor Hywel Pratley, 51, is putting the final touches to the 7ft high and 800kg work of art at his London studio.
It shows the late Queen in her younger days, in state robes.
A mould will be filled with molten bronze for the final figure.
The £125,000 tribute was commissioned by Rutland’s Lord-Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness.
The King has been asked to unveil it outside a library in Oakham.
We recently revealed that the use of Queen Elizabeth’s name will be closely protected to preserve the rarity of her title, says new guidance.
Pubs, parks, buildings and businesses cannot be named after her without permission.
Applications to use the Queen Elizabeth name will be granted “sparingly” and must only be used in dignified and appropriate ways, says the Cabinet Office guidance.
Memorials and community centres are more likely to be approved — but must have strong royal connections.
The guidance adds: “Permission to use the title ‘royal’, or the names and titles of members of the Royal Family, including the name of the late queen, and other protected royal titles is a mark of favour granted by the sovereign, acting on the advice of his ministers.
“Requests that incorporate ‘memorial’ or ‘remembrance’ in a proposed name are likely to be looked upon favourably, where possible.
“Communities, organisations and individuals may wish to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and commemorate her extraordinary reign through the use of her name and title, for example by naming a park, garden or street.
“The protected royal titles are sparingly granted and strict standards are applied.”
The Queen died aged 96 in September.
