Shortlisted Designs for Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Unveiled in London

Five creative designs have been revealed as finalists for the official memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, honoring Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.

The national memorial will be located in St James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace, and is set to be unveiled in 2026 to mark what would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday. The public is now invited to share feedback before a final design is chosen by The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee.

Highlights from the shortlisted proposals include:

Heatherwick Studio: A striking canopy of giant limestone lily pads symbolizing the Queen’s 70-year reign, rising above a statue of the monarch.

J&L Gibbons: A symbolic “bedrock” bridge inspired by the Queen’s 1966 Christmas broadcast, portraying her as a grounding force for the nation.

Foster + Partners: An elegant equestrian statue along a tree-lined avenue, with gardens and a “Unity Bridge” reflecting her unifying presence.

Wilkinson Eyre: Dual-level bridges over St James’s Park Lake offering panoramic views of royal landmarks and the London skyline.

Tom Stuart-Smith: A life-sized bronze oak tree on a plinth in the lake and a path of stones from across the UK, symbolizing the Queen’s legacy and national unity.

The chosen design will serve as a lasting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years of leadership and dedication.