British architecture studio Foster + Partners has been officially selected to design the Queen Elizabeth II memorial in London, a project that will feature a striking new glass-clad bridge inspired by the Queen’s wedding tiara and a statue honouring her legacy.
Commissioned by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, the design will be unveiled in full in April 2026 and includes contributions from renowned artist Yinka Shonibare and landscape architect Michel Desvigne.
Symbolising Unity and Legacy
The winning proposal stood out from a five-firm shortlist—including entries from Heatherwick Studio and WilkinsonEyre—for its “ambitious and thoughtful” approach that seeks to create a lasting, engaging landmark in the heart of London.
The centrepiece of the memorial will be the Unity Bridge, a translucent crossing over St James’s Park Lake, complete with cast-glass balustrades. Designed to represent the Queen’s role as a “unifying force”, the bridge symbolises her ability to bring together diverse communities, nations, and Commonwealth members during her 70-year reign.
“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,” said Norman Foster, founder of Foster + Partners.
Gardens and Sculptures for Reflection
The memorial layout includes two new ceremonial gates and two themed gardens that will frame the bridge on either side of the lake:
- Marlborough Gate and Queen Elizabeth II Place: Located at the Mall entrance, this section will feature a statue of the Queen and stone paths leading into the Communities of the United Kingdom Garden.
- Prince Philip Gate and Garden: Positioned off Birdcage Walk, this entrance leads visitors to a reflective landscape, continuing into the Commonwealth Garden, which will be anchored by a large-scale sculpture.
These lush green spaces are designed as areas of contemplation, with meandering paths, seating zones, and symbolic planting that reflect the Queen’s lifelong values of continuity, service, and optimism.
“Foster + Partners’ masterplan will allow future generations to appreciate Queen Elizabeth’s life of service as she balanced continuity and change,” said Robin Janvrin, Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee.
A Lasting Cultural Landmark
Once completed, the memorial is expected to become a major cultural and architectural landmark in central London. The project also forms part of a broader legacy programme that will celebrate the Queen’s role in shaping modern Britain.
Foster + Partners’ tribute joins a long tradition of memorial architecture in the UK, aligning heritage with innovation in a form that both honours history and serves the future.