A new memorial dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II will be built in St James’s Park, London, and will include a statue of the Queen on horseback, another of her walking arm-in-arm with Prince Philip, and a glass bridge, according to the project committee. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, after serving more than 70 years on the throne—the longest reign in British history. Her death prompted widespread mourning and global tributes.

St James’s Park, situated across from Buckingham Palace, was selected as the most fitting location to honor her legacy. The plans, revealed on Tuesday (June 24), include redesigning the park to feature two new garden areas and two additional gates. The winning design comes from the architecture firm Foster + Partners, led by renowned British architect Norman Foster. Foster, famous for projects like London’s Gherkin and the Reichstag dome in Berlin, had a personal connection to the Queen, having been appointed to the Order of Merit by her in 1997 for his contributions to architecture.

Foster said the memorial aims to reflect Queen Elizabeth’s life and legacy, with the glass bridge drawing inspiration from the tiara she wore at her wedding. The gates and gardens are meant to symbolize her ability to bridge tradition and modernity, her dedication to public duty and private faith, and her role in uniting Britain with the Commonwealth. Foster described the project as timeless and inclusive, capturing both the Queen’s formality and her approachable charm. The final design is expected by April 2026, with construction potentially completed within a year or two after that.