The statue sits in the grounds of the Belfast hospital complex named after the late monarch. Criminal damage is criminal damage. “The disgraceful defacing of the statue at the Royal Victoria Hospital was a completely senseless and unacceptable act of vandalism,” he said. “The Royal Victoria Hospital exists to provide care and treatment to some of the sickest people in Northern Ireland and at the most vulnerable moments in their lives. “Those responsible have shown a clear disregard not just for our shared public spaces, but for the patients and staff who rely on the Royal Victoria Hospital every day.

Source: The Herald February 28, 2026 07:49 UTC