St James’s Park in central London has been selected as the site for the UK’s national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. The location, which includes the area adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate and the surrounding pathways leading to the lake and Blue Bridge, was chosen for its historical significance and close ties to the late monarch.
The announcement was made today by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, which was established by the UK Government and the Royal Household in 2023. The committee has been working to determine the most appropriate location and design for the memorial, consulting with the public and key stakeholders across the UK.
The chosen site, located near Buckingham Palace, the Commonwealth headquarters, and statues of Queen Elizabeth’s parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, reflects the deep personal and historical connections that Queen Elizabeth II had with the area. It also aligns with the ceremonial route of The Mall, further enhancing its significance.
The memorial aims to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s extraordinary life of service and provide a space for public reflection. The design phase of the project is expected to commence later this year, with architects, artists, and designers invited to submit proposals. The final design is anticipated to be revealed in 2026, coinciding with what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s hundredth birthday.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented on the announcement, saying, “Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten. The national memorial will be located in St James’s Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish.”
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Pat McFadden, added, “Queen Elizabeth II was our longest-reigning monarch, and it is only right that the memorial is situated in a location that represents the scale of her role at the heart of British society, and provides a place of reflection for the public.”
The UK Government will support the memorial’s development and provide funding for related projects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The memorial is intended not only to honour the late Queen but also to serve as a space for contemplation and community engagement.
Lord Janvrin, Committee Chair and former Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, described St James’s Park as a fitting location, saying, “The Mall and St James’s Park at the ceremonial heart of our capital provides a location closely identified with so many events of the late Queen’s life. It is a fitting site for the national memorial in her honour to remember and celebrate her extraordinary contribution to our lives throughout her long reign.”
Baroness Amos, Committee member and former Lord President of the Council, highlighted the late Queen’s global leadership and her ability to connect with people. “Her memorial, sitting in the heart of London, will create a lasting legacy and celebrate her long life of public service,” she said.
The memorial will join other notable monuments in London, such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Victoria Memorial, continuing the UK’s tradition of commemorating significant historical figures. Andrew Scattergood CBE, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, expressed pride in the selection of St James’s Park, noting its rich Royal history and natural beauty. “We hope that the memorial area will provide people with a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation,” he said.
The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee will continue developing proposals and is expected to report its final recommendations to the Prime Minister and His Majesty The King in 2026.
