The late Queen Elizabeth II will soon be commemorated with a national statue, designed to stand prominently in St James’s Park, London. The memorial plans were recently shared by the memorial committee.
New Design for Queen Elizabeth II Statue
Unlike earlier depictions, the statue will feature Queen Elizabeth standing instead of on horseback. This change reflects a thoughtful decision by the designers to emphasize her role as head of state.
Location and Features of the Memorial
The statue will be situated near Marlborough Gate, close to Buckingham Palace. It will be part of a larger memorial project that includes:
- Three statues representing notable figures
- A tiara-shaped glass balustrade for a bridge
- Commemorative gardens
Nearby, a statue of Prince Philip will also be constructed. The memorial is designed by Foster + Partners, known for their innovative architectural approaches.
Sculptor and Artistic Vision
The main statue will be crafted by Martin Jennings, who expressed that the standing position follows a historical pattern for royal depictions. The design aims to capture the strength and complexity of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022.
Additionally, Karen Newman has been announced as the sculptor for a secondary statue. Notably, she has experience creating wax figures at Madame Tussauds and has previously depicted historical figures and performers.
Cost and Public Response
The budget for this ambitious project ranges between £23 million and £46 million. This has sparked criticism from the anti-monarchy group Republic, which argues that funding should come from the royal family rather than the government.
The final design is expected to be revealed in April 2026, aligning with the centenary celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. The monument will honor her legacy as a unifying figure in the nation’s history.
