In a significant announcement, the national memorial committee has revealed that the upcoming statue honoring the late Queen Elizabeth II will feature the monarch standing, rather than on horseback as previously envisioned. The decision to depict the Queen in a standing pose reflects a thoughtful approach to capturing her role as the head of state and aligning with the sculptural tradition of portraying British royalty.
The memorial, which will be situated in the heart of London’s St. James’ Park, near Buckingham Palace, will comprise three statues and a glass balustrade bridge inspired by the Queen’s iconic tiara. The main statue, to be sculpted by artist Martin Jennings, will showcase the Queen in a standing position, a departure from the earlier illustrations that had depicted her on horseback.
“After careful research and thought, my design for the Queen’s monument will emphasize her role as head of state and proudly follow a sculptural tradition that shows kings and queens from the House of Windsor in a standing position,” Jennings explained.
The decision to feature the Queen in a standing pose has been welcomed by the memorial committee and the Cabinet Office, who have consulted closely with King Charles III throughout the development process. The final design is set to be unveiled to the public in April 2026, coinciding with the centenary of the late Queen’s birth.
Alongside the main statue, the memorial will also include a smaller sculpture by artist Karen Newman, who has previously created wax figures for Madame Tussauds, including those of Prince Philip and former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Newman expressed her honor in being tasked with portraying the “strong and complex personality of our late Queen.”
The memorial’s design, led by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, also includes a glass balustrade bridge over a lake, evoking the Queen’s signature tiara. This unique feature aims to create a visually striking and symbolic tribute to the late monarch.
The project’s estimated cost, ranging between £23 million and £46 million, has drawn criticism from the anti-monarchy group Republic, who believe the royal family should bear the financial burden rather than the government. However, the memorial committee remains committed to delivering a fitting and dignified tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, whose legacy and impact on the nation will be forever memorialized in the heart of London.
