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Pictured: The stunning sand replica of Windsor Castle that brightened up the Queen's visit to the seaside
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-1192386/Pictured-The-stunning-sand-replica-Windsor-Castle-brightened-Queens-visit-seaside.html
By Daily Mail Reporter    Last updated at 8:40 PM on 11th June 2009



Replica: Mark Anderson's sand sculpture of Windsor Castle is modelled on the original. It took five men 300 hours to sculpt, using sand from Weymouth beach and water from the sea

'Just like the real thing': The Queen was said to be 'thrilled' with the sculpture, and Prince Philip even pointed out where he takes morning tea

Special event: The castle cost £1,500 to make and marked the Queen's first visit to Weymouth in 50 years

The sandcastle version was created from royal plans of the real Windsor Castle

Flying the flag: Residents of the seaside resort lined the streets to welcome their visitor

That's the way to make an impression: Punch gets up close and personal with the Queen

Contest: She helped judge a sandcastle competition


[size=1.4em]The Queen was made to feel at home on a visit to the seaside today after a sand replica of Windsor Castle was built especially for her.
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[size=1.4em]A sand sculpture artist made a stunning model of Her Majesty's residence to mark the Queen's first visit to Weymouth, Dorset, in 50 years.
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[size=1.4em]She was impressed by the 9ft high by 140ft square sandcastle and said it looked 'just like the real thing'.

[size=1.4em]Prince Philip was even able to point out the room where he regularly takes his morning tea.
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[size=1.4em]The impressive sculpture was built by artist Mark Anderson as a surprise for the Queen, and is modelled on a 40:1 scale directly from royal plans.
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[size=1.4em]It took five men 300 hours to sculpt, using sand from Weymouth beach and water from the sea.

[size=1.4em]Made up of 20 turrets and 18 separate sections of wall, it was painstakingly sculpted by hand.

[size=1.4em]Mark said: 'The Queen was thrilled with it, she spoke to me and said congratulations.
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[size=1.4em]'She said she was really impressed and happy with it, and she said it looked exactly like the real thing.
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[size=1.4em]'Prince Phillip was pointing out different rooms in the castle and said "that's where I have my morning tea."

[size=1.4em]'He even had a joke with the other members of my team, saying he bets they do all the work and I take all the credit.'
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[size=1.4em]The huge sandcastle, which cost the taxpayer about £1,500, has been built on Weymouth beach.

[size=1.4em][size=1.4em]It is flying the royal standard from a turret, in exactly the same place as the real flag would be raised when the Queen is in residence at Windsor Castle.
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[size=1.4em]The Queen visited the beach as part of a tour around the resort, during which she also helped judge a sandcastle competition and met the local Punch and Judy man.

[size=1.4em]Mr Anderson, 43, said: 'It took a lot of people a long time to get exactly right, so I do hope she liked it.

[size=1.4em]'We've made it as precise as possible so it looks exactly like Windsor Castle.

[size=1.4em]'Weymouth council asked us if we could do something for the Queen when she came down to visit and we got to work straight away.
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[size=1.4em]'They even sent us the designs for Windsor Castle so we could make sure everything was right.

'She was coming to see this traditional British seaside resort and what's more traditional than a good old-fashioned sandcastle?

[size=1.4em]'We've even put a standard on top to fly the flag, so when she walked onto the beach she saw it in its full glory.

[size=1.4em][size=1.4em]'I have been building sand sculptures for many years and have been all over the world, but it's a real honour to be asked to do something as special as this.

[size=1.4em]'We've been so busy building that we didn't even have time to get nervous or excited - she was here before we knew it.
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[size=1.4em]'Next time, we'll have to build Sandringham.'
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[size=1.4em]The castle was commissioned and paid for by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to entertain the Queen during her visit.
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[size=1.4em]Jackie Gisborne, from the council, said: 'I don't think in her wildest dreams the Queen would have been able to imagine the detail and scale of the castle.
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[size=1.4em]'We're all very excited about it. It's very impressive and everyone has been amazed by just how lifelike it is.'
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[size=1.4em]The sandcastle will now be on display for just one day before being bulldozed tomorrow in preparation for a military display on the beach this weekend.