A heartfelt tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and her cherished corgis was unveiled at Walsall Arboretum in September. The new statues, commissioned by Walsall Council, celebrate the Queen’s legacy and her affection for the corgi breed.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by a large crowd, including local dignitaries and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Louise Bennett. Council leader Councillor Garry Perry expressed pride in the milestone achievement, highlighting the significance of the tribute.
“We’ve been planning this every since the death of the late Queen,” said Councillor Perry. “We wanted to have a fitting tribute to her life and her service to the country and this is what came from that.”
The event was made even more special with several corgis in attendance, as Councillor Perry, a lifelong corgi enthusiast himself, shared his excitement about the public’s positive response. “It’s good to have these statues in an historic UNESCO site park and what we’re intending to do is do a name the Corgi’s competition to name these statues.”
Looking ahead, Councillor Perry noted the potential for more statues in Walsall’s green spaces, stating, “If that is what the community ask for, then we work to provide that for them.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the Arboretum to enjoy the new statues and participate in naming the corgis, celebrating the Queen’s enduring legacy together.
The corgis, which are made from cast metal and stand on two reclaimed Cornish granite stone plinths, can be viewed in all their glory outside the main visitor centre.