LONDON — Plans are underway for a notable monument in London to honor Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96, marking 70 years on the throne. Among the five finalists for the memorial’s design are concepts like a set of enormous, subtly psychedelic lily pads, a grand bronze tree, and an auditory tribute featuring the queen’s voice.
These ideas are now open for public commentary through an online exhibition that began recently, where people can view and provide feedback on the proposed designs. The memorial’s site is to be a place of emotional depth, offering room for reflection, and will be situated near Buckingham Palace within the serene expanse of St. James’s Park, a locale celebrated for its picturesque lake, diverse waterfowl, and meticulously maintained flower gardens.
The envisioned transformations of the park are illustrated by computer-generated visuals submitted by the finalists. Thomas Heatherwick’s Heatherwick Studio pitches an idea of a dramatic canopy of limestone lily pads spiraling above a statue of the queen. Meanwhile, Foster + Partners, spearheaded by architect Norman Foster, proposes a series of royal gardens connected by a stone path, integrated with a wind sculpture by Yinka Shonibare, and audio features playing recordings of Elizabeth’s voice.
Other creative entries include a bedrock bridge symbolizing the queen’s foundational role and secluded forest areas designed by landscape architects J&L Gibbons; a vision by garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith centering around a cast bronze oak tree; and a gently interwoven network of passages and natural scenery imagined by architects WilkinsonEyre.
The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, chaired by the queen’s former private secretary Robin Janvin, has aimed to develop a commemorative landmark that reflects exceptional beauty and tributes the life of Queen Elizabeth II. “Her long reign still resonates within the memory of so many, and we must encapsulate its essence for future generations,” Janvin articulated.
In addition, a separate project will involve selecting an artist to sculpt a representation of Elizabeth as part of the final memorial structure, with some proposals featuring equestrian statues of the queen. The public can submit feedback until May 19, and the chosen design is expected to be revealed in the summer. Ultimately, the winning proposal needs endorsement from King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, anticipated in 2026, aligning with what would have been the queen’s centennial birth year.
The construction of this monument is projected to require funds ranging from 23 to 46 million pounds ($30 million to $60 million), according to government estimates.