Queen Victoria at the unveiling of the statue of Prince Albert in Edinburgh, 17 August 1876

This watercolour depicts the unveiling of an equestrian statue of Prince Albert in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, on 17 August 1876. It is signed, dated and inscribed at bottom right: Inauguration of the Prince Consort Memorial. Edinburgh, 17 Aug. 1876. Wm Simpson.

Queen Victoria, who is seen in attendance at the unveiling ceremony in the pavilion at the far right, chose the design (drawn by John Steell) for this statue. However, she was not entirely positive about the finished work, writing in her journal that,

I am sorry to say it is not good, the horse is very stumpy & the figure heavy, unlike dearest Albert & too small for the horse. But the "tout ensemble" made a good effect.

Queen Victoria's Journal, RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 17 August 1876 (Princess Beatrice's copies)