Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. The United Kingdom has now launched a competition to design a national memorial in honor of the late queen. Artists, architects, and engineers are invited to submit information about their teams and relevant experience by 20 January 2025. At this stage, no design proposals are required, just an expression of interest and evidence of the team’s qualifications. The memorial will be situated in St James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in the UK, and will be located near Buckingham Palace.
In the announcement, the government emphasized that it seeks a “beautiful, inclusive, and sustainable” design. The memorial will include a new bridge spanning the lake and a standalone monument featuring a figurative representation of Queen Elizabeth II at the Marlborough Gate entrance. “This National Memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to the legacy of the late queen, providing a space for both reflection and celebration. We are calling on the best architects and designers to present their ideas for this historic project,” stated Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden. A provisional budget of £23-46 million (€28-56 million)—excluding tax—has been set aside for the project. Submissions will be evaluated based on “value for money” criteria.
Following the initial phase of the competition, five shortlisted teams will be asked to submit detailed designs, each of which will receive £50,000 (€60,000). Additional requirements for the winning design include consideration of the park’s biodiversity and measures to reduce the risk of vandalism. The completed memorial is scheduled to be unveiled in 2026, coinciding with what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday. The project has received approval from both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III.
“We aim to attract the most talented teams of architects, artists, landscape architects, engineers, and other specialists to collaborate with us in creating an exceptional design for the memorial site. We are seeking teams that deeply understand and align with our vision for this project,” said committee Chair Lord Janvrin. He added, “The challenge for the finalists in the second stage will be to evoke the memory of Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable contributions to national life and to narrate the story of her long reign through a masterplan that is sensitive to the unique setting.” “The memorial should simply be a beautiful place—a destination for families and friends to visit, enjoy, and reflect on an extraordinary life,” he concluded.
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