LIGHTS OF THE REALM
MPs buy Queen lampposts
MPS and peers had a bright idea for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – and bought her a pair of lampposts.
They will be unveiled at New Palace Yard in the House of Commons next month.
But unless the monarch pays a special visit she is unlikely to see them – as she uses a difference entrance for state events.
“We’re not sure what Her Majesty would do with them,” said one MP. “But I suppose the corgis could find a use.”
Most gave £50 in a whip-round but, at an estimated cost of £175,000, some will have contributed considerably more.
Bronze sculptures of heraldic beasts on the lamps symbolise “the guiding light of the Queen”. They include the lion of England, unicorn of Scotland, dragon of Wales and an elk for
Northern
Ireland. Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “A Platinum Jubilee is a historic first, so it is only right that we mark this with a token of our respect, affection, appreciation and thanks.”
The lamps are near a fountain built in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee. A sundial was installed in 2002 for the Golden Jubilee.
And a stained glass window was put in Westminster Hall for the Diamond Jubilee.