Queen leads statue's virtual unveiling in Australia

Queen Elizabeth II has unveiled a statue of herself - virtually - during a video call with officials in Australia.

A new statue depicting the Queen in her coat, hat and carrying her handbag, has become a popular attraction in Adelaide after being erected in the grounds of Government House.

Although unable to travel to the country to see it herself due to coronavirus restrictions, the Queen was able to view the artwork during a special video call with Governor of South Australia, Hieu Van Le, the premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, and sculptor Robert Hannaford.

"I would think possibly it might be quite alarming to suddenly see it out of the window. They will think, 'gracious has she arrived unexpectedly'" the Queen joked during a call held last Wednesday but released by the Buckingham Palace on Monday.

The Queen also spoke to officials about the vaccination programme in Southern Australia and the ongoing Adelaide Fringe Festival before being presented with a maquette of the statue made in her honour.