Bake Off star Prue Leith – whose show, Costwold Kitchen, airs today (Saturday, May 4) – once opposed the idea of a statue of The Queen being erected in Trafalgar Sqaure.
TV personality Prue is best known for her appearances on The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Menu.
But Prue also previously chaired the Royal Society of Arts. And during her time with the organisation she campaigned for the London landmark’s ’empty’ fourth plinth to be used as an art showcase.
She was also on a panel that selected a statue of the Queen on horseback. It was commissioned for Windsor Great Park in 2003.
However, Prue indicated earlier back in September 2022 that Trafalgar Square wouldn’t be her pick for a tribute to the late monarch.
Bake Off star Prue Leith on Trafalgar Square Queen statue
In 2022, following the Queen’s death, the government said it would consider a permanent statue for the late monarch on the vacant plinth.
Prue, however, resisted such calls. She has previously said turning the space into one in which contemporary artists can display their work is among her proudest achievements.
She said during an interview with The Guardian: “I am proud of it. If there’s one thing that I’ve done in my life that I would be delighted to see continue, it would be the fourth plinth. It’s been hugely successful.”
Prue also defended criticism about the scheme, which has included provocative works. She maintains the space keeps debates about contemporary art going – and is also influential on the national curriculum.
Plans for a fifth plinth have also been mooted as a compromise.
However, there are further reasons why she ‘opposes’ putting a statue of the Queen in the central London square near to Buckingham Palace.
‘I would never object to the statue of the Queen’
It seemed Prue felt the location was not appropriate.
Prue reflected: “I would never object to the statue of the Queen. And if there had to be an extra plinth it might work if it fits with the symmetry of the square.”
I don’t think the fourth plinth is special enough for the Queen.
She added: “I don’t think the fourth plinth is special enough for the Queen. I think there should be a statue for her outside Westminster Abbey where she was crowned. There’s a raised grass area that would be perfect – you’d see it from all sides.”
Read more: Juliet Sear tipped to ‘replace’ Prue Leith on Bake Off: ‘My time will come’
Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen airs today (Saturday, May 4) on ITV1 and ITVX at 11.45am.
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