King Charles has described the final designs for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II as 'fantastic'. He and the Queen viewed a scale model of the St James’s Park site at the British Museum on what would have been the late monarch's 100th birthday, joined by the Prime Minister and other members of the royal family.
The memorial, designed by architect Lord Foster, stretches from the Mall to Birdcage Walk and is inspired by the park's original John Nash design. It will feature a bronze standing statue of the late Queen by sculptor Martin Jennings, positioned at a formal entrance on the Mall, a few metres ahead of a statue of Prince Philip. The King noted that the design for a new lake crossing was based on the Russian Fringe Tiara, which the Queen Mother wore at her wedding.
The Queen expressed her admiration for the bridge, saying, 'I love that bridge. It’s just so lovely. It has a lovely twinkle.' The memorial will also include a bust of Queen Elizabeth in later life by Karen Newman and an abstract Commonwealth Wind Sculpture by Yinka Shonibare, inspired by flowers from the late monarch's Coronation gown.
The King and Queen met the three artists tasked with creating works for the site, alongside the maquettes of their sculptures, which will remain on public display at the British Museum. The memorial will be landscaped into gardens dedicated to the Commonwealth and nations of the UK, offering spaces for relaxation and reflection.
Their Majesties also met Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Trust, a new charity that will honour the late Queen's commitment to public service by providing grants to local community hubs. The King has become its royal patron.
