What's happened
Five designs have been shortlisted for a permanent memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022. The public can provide feedback on these proposals until May 19, 2025. The memorial will be located in St. James's Park, London, with a final design expected to be submitted for approval in 2026.
What's behind the headline?
Key Designs and Their Significance
- Heatherwick Studio: Proposes a bridge with limestone lily pads, symbolizing the queen's connection to nature.
- Foster + Partners: Envisions a tranquil garden linked by a stone path, featuring audio installations of the queen's voice, emphasizing her enduring legacy.
- J&L Gibbons: Focuses on a stone bridge representing the queen as the nation's bedrock, highlighting her role in British history.
- Tom Stuart-Smith: Suggests a memorial centered on a bronze oak tree, symbolizing strength and continuity.
- WilkinsonEyre: Proposes a network of pathways that integrate with the park's natural landscape, promoting accessibility and reflection.
The public consultation reflects a desire for community involvement in memorializing the queen, ensuring that the final design resonates with the public's memories and sentiments. The winning design will be crucial in shaping how future generations remember her legacy.
What the papers say
According to Caroline Davies from The Guardian, the shortlisted designs aim to capture the essence of Queen Elizabeth II, with proposals including a statue alongside Prince Philip and audio installations featuring her voice. The Independent echoes this sentiment, noting the public's role in providing feedback on the designs, which will be displayed online until May 19. AP News highlights the expected cost of the memorial, estimated between £23 million and £46 million, and emphasizes the importance of creating a landmark that honors the queen's life and reign. Each source underscores the significance of public consultation in the memorial's development, reflecting a collective memory of the late monarch.
How we got here
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, a memorial competition was launched to honor her 70-year reign. The shortlisted designs aim to create a space for reflection and remembrance near Buckingham Palace.
Go deeper
- What are the design concepts for the memorial?
- How can the public participate in the consultation?
- When will the final design be revealed?
Common question
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