New National Memorial To Queen Elizabeth II Will Feature Her Standing Statue

New National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II Will Feature Her Standing Statue The national monument planned to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II will include a statue of her standing, not on horseback, organizers have confirmed marking a key decision in the design of the long-anticipated memorial in central London.
The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee responsible for planning the tribute announced today that the statue will depict the late sovereign in a dignified standing pose, in line with sculptural tradition for the House of Windsor. The memorial is being planned for St James’s Park, adjacent to The Mall and Buckingham Palace a location chosen for its historical resonance with the Queen’s life, ceremonial events and public presence. Martin Jennings the established British sculptor selected earlier to create the principal statue of Queen Elizabeth II overlooking The Mall confirmed that his design will show the Queen standing, underscoring her role as head of state and continuing a long tradition of royal statuary. Karen Newman another acclaimed sculptor, has been appointed to create an additional bronze figure of the Queen on Birdcage Walk, part of the broader memorial landscape. Her work is expected to portray the “strong and complex personality” of the late monarch. Both artists bring decades of experience, with Newman noted for powerful figurative works and Jennings known for high profile public memorials. The national memorial’s overall design led by architects Foster Partners after winning a competitive selection process blends traditional and contemporary elements:
A standing statue of Queen Elizabeth II as the centerpiece near The Mall. Additional sculptures, including one by Karen Newman and elements featuring the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip.
A new translucent glass bridge inspired by the Queen’s wedding tiara, replacing the existing bridge in St James’s Park.
Gardens and pathways creating a reflective civic space designed for both ceremony and public visitation.
The plans continue a tradition of monumental sculpture in the park and link closely to ceremonial routes used during key events in the Queen’s reign. Final designs for the memorial are due to be unveiled in April 2026, ahead of what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday year. The memorial committee and architects will continue refining plans in consultation with the King, Royal Family representatives and public stakeholders.
Queen Elizabeth II was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, serving for more than 70 years before her death in 2022. The national memorial is intended to honour her life of service and create a lasting space for reflection not only for the United Kingdom but for Commonwealth countries and visitors from around the world.