The Centenary of the birth of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

Tuesday 21st April 2026 is the centenary of the birth of our late Queen, Elizabeth II.

To mark the event there will be a short ceremony in front of Rutland’s statue commemorating her reign, adjacent to the Library in Oakham, starting at 11.45.

A summary of the event:

  • Words of welcome from Dr Sarah Furness, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland
  • A poem celebrating the late Queen’s reign, written and read by Henry Dawe
  • The unveiling of the Discover Rutland information sign adjacent to the statue
  • Laying of a bouquet at the statue of Queen Elizabeth II
  • The National Anthem

All are welcome.

Immediately before this the Lord-Lieutenant will host a tea party for mothers and children – ‘Elevenses for the Queen’. For security reasons this is by invitation only.

If you are unable to attend, a video of the poem by Henry Dawe is available below or through this link.