Foster + Partners to design national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II

Foster + Partners has been selected to design the official national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, following a competition that shortlisted five multidisciplinary teams. The winning proposal was praised by the jury for its artistic vision, technical quality, and sensitivity to the historic setting of St James’s Park in London.

The design concept honors Queen Elizabeth’s seven-decade reign by drawing together themes of tradition and modernity, as well as national identity and global reach. A key feature of the proposal is a new pedestrian bridge replacing the current Blue Bridge, with a cast-glass balustrade referencing the late Queen’s wedding tiara. The design also includes two gates, one dedicated to Prince Philip, and two reflective gardens representing the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Artistic installations within the gardens aim to celebrate the UK’s cultural diversity. The memorial will occupy areas around Marlborough Gate and Bird Cage Walk, creating a unified route across St James’s Park. The final design is expected to be announced in April 2026, coinciding with what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday year.

Foster + Partners is working with artist Yinka Shonibare and renowned landscape designer Michel Desvigne on the concept. A sculptor for the figurative element of the memorial will be announced later this year.

“It is an honour and a privilege for our team to be awarded this project,” Norman Foster said about the scheme. “Her Majesty loved history and tradition, so this is reflected in the inspiration of the original design of St James’s Park by Sir John Nash. Some of his principles have survived, whilst others have been lost and will be restored, creating a family of gardens joined by gently meandering paths.”

“I knew The Queen on formal occasions but also enjoyed her informality when attending events as a member of the Order of Merit,” Foster added. “We have sought to reflect these qualities of the formal and informal in our design, with an appeal across a wide range of ages and interests. To these ends, we have discreetly stretched the boundaries of art and technology with a deliberately gentle intervention. Our design will have the minimum impact on the nature and biodiversity of the Park and it will be phased to ensure that the precious route across it will never be closed.”

The project will now move into its next phase of development in collaboration with the Memorial Committee, with further refinements expected ahead of the 2026 unveiling.