A new statue of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip will be built in London’s St James’s Park. The concept by Norman Foster and Foster Partners won a competition in which five studios competed. What is interesting is the presence of His Royal Highness in the design – until now, all memorials have only focused on the Queen. This time, it will be the first time he is officially included in such a commemoration.
Elizabeth II sat on the throne from 1952 to 2022. Her reign, the longest in British history, came at a time of profound social and political change. The monarch was regarded as a symbol of continuity and stability, and she enjoyed strong public support for decades. Prince Philip, her husband and closest advisor, accompanied Elizabeth for more than 70 years. He was involved in public activities, particularly in the areas of education, ecology and youth work. Now the royal couple will stand together forever near their residence, Buckingham Palace.
The glass bridge and the symbolism of unity
The centrepiece of the memorial will be the Unity Bridge. The structure will be built on the site of the existing Blue Bridge and will be made of translucent cast glass. The architects were inspired for its original form by Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding tiara, which she wore on her nuptial day in 1947. The then princess received it from her mother Queen Elizabeth. The tiara was created in 1919, when Queen Mary had her necklace transformed into an ornate headdress. The jeweller created a tiara from it, consisting of 47 tapering elements, and its shape resembled a traditional Russian coquina. The tiara continued to be passed down from generation to generation. The designers wanted the appearance of the new footbridge to symbolise the monarch’s unifying role in the UK and Commonwealth. The glass structure of the bridge is intended to intrude minimally into the parkland landscape, creating a subtle sign of remembrance and a place of contemplation.
A statue of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and a space for dialogue
The new monument in St James’s Park – the oldest of London’s royal parks – will consist of a pair of sculptures. One will depict Queen Elizabeth II on horseback, alluding to her long-standing passion for equestrianism. The other, meanwhile, will depict the monarch and royal spouse together and will be placed near the newly designed Prince Philip Gate, at Birdcage Walk. The gate will be adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Square at Marlborough Gate. Both sites will be planned to create a spatial dialogue between the sculptures and remind the royal couple of their mutual partnership.
Gardens, paths and art installations
The project also includes the establishment of two themed gardens, new walking paths and the participation of environmental specialists and artists. To this end, British-Nigerian sculptor Yinka Shonibare will create a kinetic wind-powered work, and environmentalist Nigel Dunnett will design plantings to increase biodiversity in the park. The memorial will also include sound elements, including authentic recordings of the Queen’s voice, to provide visitors with a direct link to historic events. The monument is scheduled for completion in 2026, when the centenary of Elizabeth II’s birth would have fallen. The investment budget is estimated to be between £23 million and £46 million. Details of the sculptural commissions are expected to be revealed in April 2026.
Source: press materials Foster Partners / artist Yinka Shonibare and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
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