Totem pole gifted to late Queen to be taken down

A totem pole gifted to the late Queen Elizabeth II will be taken down this year as it reaches the end of its natural lifespan.

The 100ft (30m) memorial pole, given by the Government of British Columbia in 1958, will be laid in Windsor Great Park to remain as an attraction.

It is currently standing near Wick Pond and Virginia Water, a two mile (3.2km) lake in the great park, where it was put at the request of the late Queen.

A sister monument in Vancouver, the Centennial Pole, was lowered in 2018.

Signage at the statue said the next stage of the pole's existence is for it to be laid to rest and "to slowly deteriorate and decay".

A Crown Estate spokesperson said: "This decision has been reached after careful consideration, and long discussion with the First Nation Kwakwakaʼwakw peoples in British Columbia."

The pole has been blessed by Hereditary Chief David Mungo Knox, who is the great-grandson of its creator, Chief Mungo Martin.

The spokesperson said the pole should be lowered in 2024 "with all appropriate ceremonies" but said it had not yet been decided what would replace it.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.