William did not react publicly to Rothwell’s statue proposal during the event.

Rothwell hinted at the project’s scale, describing a 20-meter-diameter, highly lit sculpture intended to be visible to about 40 million vehicles a year on the M60, and noted his rowing fame and football background as motivation.

His philanthropy extends beyond the ocean—he previously owned Oldham Athletic and returned the club to the EFL, continuing his community-focused legacy.

Rothwell emphasizes a broader mission to boost dementia research funding and community welfare in Oldham, aiming to align local development with the town’s identity and recognition.

Prince William attended an investiture at Windsor Castle today, where he was formally named in light of his rising public profile.

In 2024, Rothwell also earned a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to row solo across the Atlantic, a record tied to his second voyage.

The ceremony also recognized the oldest solo Atlantic rower with an OBE, tying into Rothwell’s own honors.

Rothwell discussed the project with the Prince of Wales as he received an OBE for his Atlantic rowing feats, underscoring royal interest in the initiative.

Oldham Athletic owner and philanthropist Frank Rothwell unveiled plans for a large embryo-shaped statue in Oldham to boost the town’s profile and tackle deprivation, signaling a bold move to redefine the town’s identity.

The proposal envisions a royal garden party theme to mark the NHS’s 80th anniversary and Louise Joy Brown’s birthday, drawing inspiration from a July 1992 Oldham garden party attended by the Queen and other royals, with a proposal to replicate the event in Oldham.

The article notes the piece was AI-generated.

Rothwell has completed solo Atlantic rowing challenges in his 70s, raising more than £1.4 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK and becoming the oldest person to row across the Atlantic, first in 2021 and again in 2024.