Queen Elizabeth II Statue Unveiled at Romsey Abbey in Hampshire

A new bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled at Romsey Abbey on Friday, September 4, 2026, drawing crowds to the north churchyard for a ceremony marking the late monarch’s ties to the Hampshire town. The life-size sculpture, created by local artist Amy Goodman, depicts the Queen at her coronation and forms the second of two statues commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council.

The unveiling was led by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, alongside Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, a figure closely tied to the Queen’s connection with nearby Broadlands.

Key Facts About the Romsey Abbey Queen Elizabeth II Statue

Why Romsey Was Chosen for the Coronation-Themed Sculpture

Romsey was chosen because of the Queen’s personal ties to the area, including her honeymoon at nearby Broadlands and her lifelong connection to the Mountbatten family.

• She spent part of her honeymoon at Broadlands, the nearby estate historically linked to the Mountbatten family
• The Queen served as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England, roles reflected in the Abbey setting
• Her connection to the Mountbattens, including the late Duke of Edinburgh’s family, runs directly through the town

Sculptor Amy Goodman said the piece was designed to capture the Queen at “a pivotal moment in her life, stepping into a lifetime of service,” while also honouring her specific links to Romsey and the Abbey.

How the Amy Goodman Sculpture Was Created

The statue was created over several years by Hampshire artist Amy Goodman, who involved local residents and schoolchildren directly in the design process.

• Workshops where residents contributed memories and mini canvas artwork
• School visits where local pupils helped shape the clay model, including detailing on the Queen’s robes
• Community garden party events used to gather design ideas for the Robe of Estate

The robe itself incorporates artwork and memories submitted by Romsey residents, a detail Goodman says was central to making the piece feel connected to the town rather than a generic royal tribute.

The Second of Two Test Valley Statues

The Romsey statue is the companion piece to an earlier Queen Elizabeth II statue unveiled in Andover’s Riverside Park in September 2024. Both were commissioned by Test Valley Borough Council to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, though the project took on added significance following her death later that year.

The two sculptures were designed as bronze “sister” pieces:

• Andover statue: Depicts the Queen later in life, wearing her robe of state, unveiled September 2024.
• Romsey statue: Depicts the Queen at her coronation, unveiled September 2026.

Together, they mark Test Valley’s formal tribute to what council materials describe as the Queen’s 70 years of service to the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth.

What Visitors Can See at Romsey Abbey Now

Visitors can now view the permanent bronze statue in the Abbey’s north churchyard, freely accessible to the public alongside Romsey Abbey’s existing historic grounds.

Test Valley Borough Council has described it as a lasting tribute intended to remain part of the town’s public spaces for future generations, alongside the Andover sculpture across the borough. For visitors planning a trip, the statue adds to Romsey Abbey’s existing draw as a historic site, giving both locals and tourists a new landmark tied directly to the town’s royal connections.

Local Reaction to the Unveiling

Crowds gathered well ahead of the 1 pm ceremony, reflecting sustained public interest in royal commemorative artwork across Hampshire. Goodman said she was looking forward to “welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy it for years to come,” framing the piece as a community landmark rather than a static monument.

The unveiling adds Romsey to a small but growing list of UK towns with permanent Queen Elizabeth II statues, following similar tributes in Andover, Antrim, and other locations across the country since her death in 2022.