Equestrian statue of Elizabeth II, Bronze equestrian statue on Parliament Hill, Canada.
The equestrian statue of Elizabeth II is a bronze sculpture by Vancouver-born sculptor Jack Harman, made over two years by a team of ten. The over-life-size figure sits in a riding saddle on the horse Centennial, legs in riding boots and stirrups, wearing a riding jacket and a wide coat closed only at the neck. The horse walks at a slow pace; the whole stands on a roughly hewn granite pedestal about 3.7 metres high, with "Elizabeth II" in large letters.
The monument was unveiled in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II, marking forty years of her reign over Canada. The dedication took place during the nation's 125th anniversary celebrations.
The queen unveiled the statue herself on 1 July 1992, Canada Day, during the country's 125th anniversary and the 40th year of her reign. It was the first equestrian statue of Elizabeth II; later ones followed at Windsor Great Park in 2003 and Regina in 2005. After her death on 8 September 2022, people laid flowers at its base.
The statue currently stands in front of Rideau Hall's main gate due to rehabilitation work at the Centre Block. Visitors can easily access the monument on foot and view it from street level.
The horse is Centennial, a gift to Elizabeth II from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the force's 100th anniversary. The statue was the first equestrian statue of the Queen; others followed at Windsor Great Park in 2003 and Regina in 2005. After her death on 8 September 2022, flowers were laid at its base.
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