London's Queen Elizabeth II Memorial to Feature Standing Statue, Not Equestrian Design
In a significant departure from initial proposals, the national monument dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II will portray the monarch in a standing position, rather than on horseback as shown in earlier illustrations. This decision aligns with the sculptural tradition for kings and queens of the House of Windsor, according to the artists involved.
Dual Tributes in St James's Park
The primary memorial, planned for St James's Park in central London adjacent to Buckingham Palace, will now include a standing statue of Queen Elizabeth II by sculptor Martin Jennings. This will be accompanied by a statue of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, reflecting their partnership throughout her reign. The statues will be positioned near Marlborough Gate on The Mall, a prime location leading to Buckingham Palace.
In a complementary project, acclaimed artist Karen Newman has been appointed to craft a separate sculpture of the Queen on Birdcage Walk. Newman, who spent two decades as a sculptor for Madame Tussauds, described her approach as aiming to portray the "strong and complex personality" of the late monarch, combining elements that show her both as "an icon and as an individual."
Artistic Backgrounds and Collaborations
Karen Newman brings a distinguished portfolio to the project, having created wax portrait figures of numerous notable figures during her time at Madame Tussauds, including Prince Philip, former prime ministers Harold Wilson and Sir Tony Blair, Stevie Wonder, and Yoko Ono. She is also known for her bronze memorials of Second World War heroines, such as British secret agent Noor Inayat Khan in Gordon Square Gardens and Violette Szabo outside Lambeth Palace.
Martin Jennings welcomed Newman's appointment, praising her work as having "great presence, being both subtle and commanding in equal measure." He confirmed that his design for the Queen's monument would emphasise her role as head of state while following the standing tradition for Windsor monarchs.
Comprehensive Memorial Design
The overall memorial project, designed by architect Lord Foster, will feature additional elements beyond the statues:
- A distinctive tiara-shaped glass balustrade for a new translucent "unity bridge"
- A "family of gardens" with meandering paths through St James's Park
- A new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate
Lord Foster praised Newman's talent and sensitivity, stating they would bring "a profound sense of dignity to the work" and expressing enthusiasm for collaboration in the coming months.
Timeline and Significance
The final designs for the national memorial are scheduled to be unveiled in April 2026, coinciding with what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday. This timing adds symbolic weight to the commemorations, ensuring the tribute aligns with significant milestones in the late monarch's legacy.
The Cabinet Office highlighted that the positioning of the Queen and Prince Philip's statues near each other intentionally reflects their partnership throughout her historic reign, creating a visual representation of their shared dedication to public service.
