Shortlist of Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Designs Unveiled
- Editor OGN Daily
- May 8
- 2 min read
How best to capture the enduring essence of Queen Elizabeth II is the question behind innovative designs shortlisted for a national memorial planned for Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
The memorial is planned for St James’s Park, close to Buckingham Palace in the heart of London. The public is now being asked for feedback on the shortlist in an online consultation by Malcolm Reading Consultants running until 19 May, with images of the potential memorials issued for illustrative purposes at this stage.
A memorial walk inspired by the idea of “togetherness” with 70 lily pad stepping stones, by Heatherwick Studio, pictured above, showing Buckingham Palace in the background. At the centre of the bridge is a limestone sculpture of the late queen on horseback, protected by a giant canopy of eight sculptural lilies. Three of the designs feature the late queen riding a horse, reflecting her enthusiasm for equestrianism.
An exact cast of an oak from Windsor Great Park, representing strength and endurance and symbolising the monarchy, by Tom Stuart-Smith. A memorial path would incorporate bronze casts of significant objects from the late queen’s life and a “sonic soundscape” of memories.
The queen’s former private secretary Lord Janvrin, the chair of the Queen Elizabeth memorial committee, said the designs needed to “capture the essence” of memories of the late monarch for future generations. He said it was “only fitting” for members of the public to express their views.
The design brief sought concepts for an emotionally powerful place and a space for pause and reflection, which is sensitive to the site within the Grade I listed St James’s Park. The memorial is envisaged to be a new national landmark of outstanding quality to honour and celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s unique qualities and values.
A panel of committee members will select the winning concept and work with the team on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026. The final design will then be submitted to King Charles and the prime minister for approval.
