New Statue of Queen Elizabeth II Faces Backlash in Northern Ireland

(Belfast) – A new bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II, unveiled in Antrim Castle Gardens, Northern Ireland, has stirred mixed reactions. The statue, created by Belfast based artist Anto Brennan, portrays the late Queen alongside her husband, Prince Philip, and their two corgis. Despite being intended as a tribute to her legacy, the artwork has generated controversial debate online.

According to the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the sculpture was designed to capture the Queen’s grace and dedication to public service. The council’s statement highlighted that the artwork has generally been received positively by those who have visited it in person. They emphasized the careful arrangement of the statue, which stands adjacent to the previously unveiled sculpture of Prince Philip. The addition of the two corgis was noted as a thoughtful personal touch that many visitors have appreciated.

However, not everyone shares this sentiment. On social media, numerous users have expressed dissatisfaction with the sculpture, claiming it bears little resemblance to the late Queen. Some described it as “dreadful,” “ridiculous,” and “not fit for purpose.” One commenter even likened the statue to the fictional character Mrs. Doubtfire. Criticism extended to X (formerly Twitter), where art historian Richard Morris offered sharp feedback. Several users echoed this view, urging the council to remove the statue.

Yet, others have defended Brennan’s work, acknowledging the time and effort that went into creating the piece. One supporter expressed frustration that people often focus on finding faults rather than appreciating the artist’s dedication. Despite the controversy, the council stands by the sculpture, reiterating its pride in the memorial, which they believe honors the Queen’s legacy.

Brennan, the artist behind the statue, has not publicly commented on the backlash. The council, however, encouraged those passing judgment online to visit Antrim Castle Gardens and view the sculpture for themselves before drawing conclusions.

The division in public opinion surrounding the Queen’s statue is not unprecedented. Several statues of prominent figures have faced similar scrutiny in recent years. For instance, Prince Philip’s statue, also created by Brennan, sparked debate when it was unveiled in June last year. Statues of other public figures, such as Prince Philip in Cambridge and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, have faced criticism for their likenesses as well.

Despite the negative comments on social media, the council believes the statue complements its surroundings and serves as a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable legacy. They encourage visitors to appreciate the memorial in person rather than rely on online discussions, which often amplify critical viewpoints.

In recent years, controversial statues have become a recurring theme, with artworks of well known figures, such as footballers Diego Maradona and Michael Essien, also raising eyebrows for their unusual depictions. Even singer Lewis Capaldi received a papier-mâché statue made by students, which was humorously described as “intentionally bad.” Regardless of the critique, statues like these continue to provoke conversations about how public art captures the essence of its subjects.

The council remains confident in their decision to commission the sculpture and continues to stand by the artist’s work, stating that the positive reactions from local residents outweigh the criticisms seen online.