ing Charles has opted to transfer a striking bronze sculpture depicting Hercules and Achelous from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew to Windsor Castle, after it spent 69 years in the West London museum.
The monarch’s choice, revealed last October, prompted confusion and scepticism from observers who questioned why he would need to acquire additional treasures given the royal collection already at his disposal.
It has now emerged that the artwork will take its place within the fountain at the centre of the East Terrace Garden.
The statue is returning to the precise location where it stood throughout the first nine years of the King’s childhood.
King Charles makes major change at Windsor Castle after 69 years
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The bronze was crafted by Charles Crozatier and entered the royal collection when George IV purchased it in 1829.
For decades, it graced Windsor’s East Terrace Garden before being removed from its plinth in 1957 during renovation works.
Originally intended for relocation to Hampton Court’s Privy Garden, insufficient funding meant the sculpture was instead placed into storage.
It reappeared six years later when Queen Elizabeth II consented to a proposal for it to serve as the centrepiece fountain in the pond adjacent to Kew’s Palm House.
The Hercules and Achelous statue has stood at Kew Gardens since 1963
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The East Terrace Garden remains accessible to the public only during select summer days, whereas Kew welcomes visitors throughout the year.
During his early years at Windsor, the young Charles enjoyed an idyllic existence, horse riding alongside his sister Princess Anne and attending summer barbecues on the terrace.
The castle interior also captivated him, particularly the renowned Van Dyck portrait of his ancestor Charles I.
The East Terrace Garden at Windsor Castle pictured in 2020
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A black and white photo capturing the moment the statue was moved to Kew in 1963
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This cherished period came to an end in 1957 when he departed for Cheam, the Hampshire preparatory school his father had attended.
The monarch has increasingly made Windsor his base in recent times, conducting investitures in the Grand Reception Room and personalising his private quarters with beloved items brought from Highgrove.
Returning the Hercules and Achelous sculpture completes this homecoming.