Set to honour the life and legacy of the country’s longest-reigning monarch; the winning design for London’s Queen Elizabeth II Memorial has just been unveiled, following a rather lengthy selection process. The memorial will be located inside St James’s Park; a space that holds huge historical significance and profound personal connection to the late monarch.
Back in May, you may remember us telling you about the five shortlisted teams that were in the running to design the monumental memorial. Well, the quintet of proposed design-concepts were submitted to the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee who cast their judgement based on factors including value for money, placemaking, and visitor experience. The public were also invited to give their thoughts and feedback on the memorial masterplans. And now, the decision has finally been made.
The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial winning design
The chosen design was created by London-based architectural firm, Foster + Partners. The very same team who designed the likes of The Gherkin and the former City Hall. The centrepiece of Foster +Partners’ masterplan is a striking translucent bridge, inspired by the sparkling diamond tiara that the late Queen wore on her wedding day in 1947. The bridge will feature a cast glass balustrade, and will cross the park‘s water, symbolising how Queen Elizabeth II united people and countries throughout her life-long service.
The memorial will also feature a new spot near Buckingham Palace, named Queen Elizabeth II Place. The space will be home to an impressive statue of her sat atop a horse – a heartwarming nod to the monarch’s love of horses. Across the park, near Birdcage Walk, a gate dedicated to Prince Philip will be constructed, and the designs also feature a whole host of winding pathways and beautiful gardens.
When is the memorial due to open?
The memorial is set to open at some point in 2026. The very same year that Queen Elizabeth II would have turned 100 years old. The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial will be the perfect spot for Londoners and beyond to take a moment to reflect, and connect with an important piece of shared history.
Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “It is an honour and a privilege for our team to be awarded this project. Her Majesty loved history and tradition, so this is reflected in the inspiration of the original design of St James’s Park by Sir John Nash. Some of his principles have survived, whilst others have been lost and will be restored, creating a family of gardens joined by gently meandering paths.