New details have been released for the national memorial dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, revealing a design that honours her legacy with a bronze statue inspired by a famous portrait. The memorial, set in central London, will feature the monarch depicted as a young woman in her Garter robes, drawing inspiration from the celebrated 1955 Pietro Annigoni portrait.
Design and Location of the Memorial
Designed by the renowned architect Lord Foster, the tribute will be situated at Marlborough Gate, overlooking The Mall. The site will include a family of gardens, meandering paths, and a new translucent glass bridge, creating a serene and reflective space for visitors.
Statues of the Queen and Prince Philip
The centrepiece is a 7.3-metre-high bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II, capturing her youthful elegance. A smaller companion statue of Prince Philip, standing 3.8 metres high and depicted in his Naval uniform at a similar age, will be positioned a few paces behind the Queen. This placement symbolically reflects his customary supportive role throughout her reign.
Completion Timeline and Additional Projects
Both statues are expected to be completed by 2028, marking a significant tribute years after her passing. Alongside the physical memorial, two other initiatives have been launched to commemorate the late Queen. The Queen Elizabeth Trust has been established as a grant-making charity to support causes she championed. Additionally, a Digital Memorial will allow the public to share and preserve memories of Queen Elizabeth II online.
This comprehensive approach ensures that her legacy is honoured through both tangible and digital means, fostering ongoing remembrance and community engagement.
