In a landmark announcement for London’s architectural and cultural landscape, British studio Foster + Partners has been selected to design the new Queen Elizabeth II memorial in St James’s Park. This highly anticipated project, set to be unveiled in 2026, will honour the extraordinary legacy of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch with an elegant and deeply symbolic design.
At the heart of the proposal is the Unity Bridge, a stunning glass-clad crossing inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding tiara. Designed in collaboration with artist Yinka Shonibare and landscape architect Michel Desvigne, the bridge embodies the Queen’s lifelong role as a unifying figure connecting nations, the Commonwealth, and communities.
The masterplan reflects a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, a duality that defined Her Majesty’s reign. Two new gates and two gardens will flank either side of St James’s Park Lake, linked gracefully by the new bridge. The entrance from The Mall will feature Marlborough Gate and the Queen Elizabeth II Place statue, leading visitors into the Communities of the United Kingdom Garden a space designed for reflection and celebration of shared identity.
On the opposite side, visitors arriving from Birdcage Walk will enter through Prince Philip Gate into the Prince Philip Garden, with further connections to the Commonwealth Garden and a striking sculptural centrepiece. Lush pathways, tranquil seating areas, and abundant greenery will create spaces of calm contemplation amidst the city.
Selected from a prestigious shortlist including designs by Heatherwick Studio and WilkinsonEyre, Foster + Partners’ proposal was praised for its thoughtful, ambitious vision capable of creating an engaging and enduring landmark.
As Norman Foster himself describes, “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.”
More than a memorial, this project represents a new chapter for St James’s Park and central London a fusion of heritage, art, and contemporary design. It is a fitting tribute to a monarch who embodied continuity, optimism, and quiet strength throughout her remarkable 70-year reign.
The final design is set to be officially revealed in April 2026, alongside a legacy programme celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s life and contributions. At Crown Mayfair, we look forward to following this historic addition to London’s architectural story, a true testament to timeless design and national unity.
