Queen Elizabeth memorial given major update as exciting pictures emerge

After a long wait, the plans for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II have finally been unveiled. In a move which will transform St James's Park in front of Buckingham Palace, a new bridge designed by world-renowned architect Lord Foster will become the focal point of a tribute to the life of Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

The memorial has been inspired by the tiara worn by the late Queen on her wedding day to the late Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. The beautiful piece, known as the Queen Mary Fringe diamond tiara, famously snapped just hours before she walked down the aisle and had to be rushed by police escort to jewellers Garrard to be fixed.

Located a stone's throw away from the bronze statues of her father, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, on The Mall, the new crossing replaces the park's existing Blue Bridge and will serve as a fitting reminder of the late Queen's achievements in the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world.

Key features include a statue of the Queen in a new civic space named Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate, a new Prince Philip Gate on the other side of the park on Birdcage Walk with a statue of the late Duke, as well as a "family of gardens", twisting paths and a contemporary wind sculpture.

The poignant design follows previous statues of the late Queen being unveiled in York, Andover, Newcastle-under-Lyme and on the Royal Albert Hall.

It will no doubt prove very popular, as royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the Express: "The bridge is symbolically highly appropriate, it reaches across both sides of the lake and, like the monarchy, it is symbolic of national unity hence its name."

He added: "It will be used by passersby, who may reflect on the life of one of our greatest monarchs who gave Britain and the Commonwealth a lifetime of service, as they pass over it. The setting of the park and the lake also reflect the late Queen's interest love of nature, she was undoubtedly a countrywoman at heart."

The proposal for the memorial will be subject to change, with the panel of committee members working with the team on the final design. It is expected to be unveiled in 2026 to coincide with what would have been the late Queen's 100th birthday year.

Lord Foster, who is also responsible for the design of The Gherkin in London, memorably criticised the King for using his "privileged position" to intervene in a development.

Back in 2009, he was one of several of the world's top architects who penned a letter criticising the then-prince for attempting to interfere in plans to redevelop London's Chelsea Barracks. The architects wrote the letter after the prince contacted the site owner about the modern design and suggested a classical architect he preferred.

Speaking of being selected to create the tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Foster said: "Her Majesty loved history and tradition, so this is reflected in the inspiration of the original design of St James's Park by Sir John Nash."

He added: "At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces."