Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Design Sparks Outcry Over 'Boring' Statue
Campaigners and art experts have launched scathing criticism against the decision to abandon a grand equestrian sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II in favour of what they describe as a 'boring' standing figure that allegedly 'looks nothing like her'. The controversy erupted as the latest design for a national memorial was unveiled to mark what would have been the late monarch's 100th birthday.
From Equestrian Majesty to Standing Figure
Previous artist's impressions for the memorial had depicted a large statue of the late monarch bestriding a horse atop an imposing stone plinth, capturing the heroic imagery many associate with her decades of public service. However, the newly revealed design presents a simpler bronze likeness showing Queen Elizabeth II as a young woman in her Garter robes, designed by sculptor Martin Jennings and inspired by a famous 1955 portrait by Italian artist Pietro Annigoni.
The monument will stand in St James's Park overlooking The Mall in a newly designated space called Queen Elizabeth II Place. Accompanying the Queen's statue will be a smaller bronze figure of Prince Philip in his Naval uniform, looking up at his wife of more than 70 years. Both statues will undergo further refinement during the sculpting process according to officials.
Royal Approval Versus Public Discontent
While King Charles has praised the final design as 'fantastic' after viewing a scale model at the British Museum, social media users and art experts have expressed significant dissatisfaction. Stephen Bayley, Chairman of the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust, has been particularly vocal in urging a reconsideration of the design.
'The Queen on horseback was what was originally proposed and what we all thought we were going to get,' Bayley told the Daily Mail. 'It gives the Queen the heroic appearance we associate with her in The Mall, leading her troops on horseback, which she did for thirty-four years. It is right for our main processional route and it fits the memories we have of her in this setting.'
Bayley further argued that contemporary sculptors struggle with convincing standing figures, often producing results that appear 'stilted' or 'comical', while Britain possesses impressive equestrian sculptors capable of creating something 'elegant, monumental, majestic'.
Social Media Backlash and Design Details
Social media criticism has been equally pointed, with one user accusing officials of opting for a 'smaller, cheaper' alternative to the original equestrian concept. Another commenter, Stefan Roberts, wrote on X: 'I wish they'd stuck to the original plan of the late Queen mounted on a horse. I think that was much nicer than this.' A third critic claimed the work 'looks nothing like our beautiful late Queen Elizabeth II'.
The statue captures the young monarch just a few years into her reign, minus a tiara but draped in her weighty Garter robes, composed and gazing into the distance. Prince Philip will be represented at a similar age, wearing his Admiral-of-the-Fleet uniform with both arms behind his back in his characteristic stance.
Memorial Features and Royal Reactions
The memorial project involves significant changes to the St James's Park area. Grade II listed Marlborough Gate will be dismantled and re-erected in modified form to accommodate the statues. A glass unity bridge, inspired by the late Queen's wedding tiara (also known as the Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara), will replace the current Blue Bridge.
King Charles expressed particular enthusiasm for this element, telling architect Lord Foster: 'It's a wonderful idea for the bridge to be based on the Russian fringe tiara, the one that my mama wore at her wedding.' He praised the concept of adding 'subtle lighting' at night to what will be renamed the Queen Elizabeth Bridge.
Queen Camilla also remarked on the glass and steel bridge, saying: 'I love that bridge. It's just lovely. It has a lovely twinkle.' The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, declared the statue represented how the late Queen would like to be remembered in her younger days, though she noted the planned seven-meter height on its plinth was 'quite high'.
The complete memorial, which will also include a memorial path and a bronze wind sculpture honouring the Commonwealth, is expected to be completed in 2028.
