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Plans for the national memorial dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II have been progressing, with recent announcements revealing that the main statue will depict the Queen standing rather than mounted on horseback, which contrasts with earlier concept illustrations. This monument will be situated in St James’s Park, close to Buckingham Palace, and will include additional elements such as three statues and a glass balustrade on a bridge designed to resemble a tiara.
The committee responsible for the memorial, along with the Cabinet Office, confirmed that the primary statue on The Mall will feature Queen Elizabeth II standing upright. The sculptor Martin Jennings, who is tasked with this centerpiece, explained that the decision reflects the Queen’s role as head of state and follows a traditional sculptural style used for previous Windsor monarchs. Jennings stated, “After careful research and thought, my design for the Queen’s monument will emphasise her role as head of state and proudly follows a sculptural tradition that shows kings and queens from the House of Windsor in a standing position.” The horse-riding images previously shown were only intended to illustrate the memorial’s size and placement, not the final appearance, according to official sources.
King Charles has been kept informed throughout the design process and has provided input on the developments. The entire memorial, including the main statue near Marlborough Gate in St James’s Park and a nearby statue of Prince Philip, will be unveiled in April 2026, marking the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. Alongside the statues, the design features commemorative gardens and a distinct glass balustrade bridge, which is inspired by the Queen’s wedding tiara.
Sculptor Karen Newman has been appointed to create a smaller sculpture at another entrance to the park. Newman is known for her portrayals of notable figures, including actors like Charles Dance and musicians such as Roger Daltrey, as well as Second World War heroines Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo. In addition, she has a background producing waxworks for Madame Tussauds, where her creations included likenesses of Prince Philip and former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Newman expressed her honor in working on this project, saying, “She was an iconic and unifying figure in our national story. I am very much looking forward to portraying the strong and complex personality of our late Queen.” Architect Lord Norman Foster leading the project praised Newman’s skill and empathy, noting that her work will impart a “profound sense of dignity” to the memorial.
The cost of the memorial, estimated between £23 million and £46 million, has faced criticism from the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, which argues that the royal family should cover the expenses rather than the government. Despite this, work continues on what is intended to be a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy in the heart of London
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