Plans for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in St James’s Park, London, have been updated to feature a standing statue of the Queen rather than the previously illustrated equestrian design. The main statue, created by sculptor Martin Jennings, will emphasize her role as head of state and follow the tradition of Windsor monarchs depicted standing. The memorial will also include a smaller sculpture by Karen Newman, known for her waxwork models at Madame Tussauds and sculptures of notable figures, as well as a tiara-shaped glass balustrade on a bridge, commemorative gardens, and a statue of Prince Philip.
King Charles has been consulted throughout the process, with the final design set to be unveiled in April 2026, marking the centenary of the Queen’s birth. The project, led architecturally by Lord Norman Foster, has a budget estimated between £23 million and £46 million, drawing criticism from anti-monarchy groups who argue the royal family should fund the memorial instead of the government. The memorial will be located near existing statues of the Queen’s parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, maintaining a dignified and formal tribute to the late monarch.
