The final designs for a permanent national memorial honouring Queen Elizabeth II in London's St James's Park have been officially disclosed, coinciding with the centenary of her birth. The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee has unveiled the masterplan, which boasts a budget of up to £46 million, to commemorate the late monarch's lifelong dedication to public service.
Statues and Design Details
The memorial, crafted by architects Foster + Partners in collaboration with Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, will be situated in a newly created civic space named Queen Elizabeth II Place, adjacent to The Mall near Buckingham Palace. It will feature a prominent bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II, standing 7.3 metres tall, with the Queen herself depicted at three metres on a 4.3-metre plinth. This statue portrays her in the early years of her reign, adorned in the robes of the Order of the Garter, inspired by Pietro Annigoni's renowned portrait.
Sculpted by the acclaimed artist Martin Jennings, the statue will overlook Marlborough Gate. A few paces behind, positioned 20 metres away in the park, will be a smaller companion statue of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh. This statue, measuring 3.8 metres in height with a 2.3-metre figure on a 1.5-metre plinth, shows him in his Admiral-of-the-Fleet naval uniform, gazing up at his wife of over seven decades, reflecting his customary supportive role.
Additional Memorial Elements
Beyond the primary statues, the memorial includes several other artistic features. A bust of Queen Elizabeth II in her later years, created by sculptor Karen Newman, will be part of the installation. Additionally, a cast-glass bridge, inspired by Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara, and a sculpture titled the Commonwealth Wind Sculpture, designed by Yinka Shonibare, are planned. The design also incorporates gardens dedicated to the Commonwealth and the nations of the United Kingdom, enhancing the tribute's scope.
The designers have noted that the appearances of both the Queen and Prince Philip statues will undergo further refinement during the sculpting process to ensure accuracy and reverence.
Royal and Political Involvement
In a special event at the British Museum, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, other members of the Royal Family, and the Prime Minister will review the designs and other components of the memorial. This gathering underscores the national significance of the project, which aims to honour Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacy and her unwavering commitment to duty.
The memorial's location in St James's Park, a historic royal park, adds to its symbolic importance, providing a public space for reflection and remembrance. The project is set to proceed with careful attention to detail, ensuring it stands as a fitting tribute to one of Britain's longest-reigning monarchs and her devoted consort.
