Five Designs Unveiled for Queen Elizabeth II Memorial

The UK government has unveiled five shortlisted designs for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial, planned for St James’s Park near Buckingham Palace. Proposals include features such as a bronze Windsor oak tree, a canopy of stone lily pads, a symbolic stone bridge, and statues of the Queen—some depicting her on horseback or alongside Prince Philip. The designs also incorporate tranquil royal gardens, audio installations of the Queen’s voice, and interactive landscape-inspired elements. Public consultation on the designs runs online until May 19, after which the winner will be announced in 2025. The memorial, funded by public money, will be unveiled in 2026 to mark what would have been the Queen’s centenary. Final approval is required from King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.