Public votes on designs for Queen Elizabeth II's memorial in London

In the United Kingdom, a final shortlist of five proposed designs for a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II has been revealed. This initiative was driven by the government to honor Britain's longest-reigning monarch, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96. The memorial is set to be constructed in St James's Park, which is located close to Buckingham Palace, and the public is invited to provide feedback on the proposed designs. Notably, some designs feature the Queen riding a horse, reflecting her love for equestrianism. The memorial design concepts include a canopy of giant lily pads, a statue of the Queen, and proposals for landscaping the park. The submissions invite various artistic interpretations, with some focusing on traditional representations of the Queen, while others explore more experimental ideas. For instance, one proposal incorporates recordings of the late Queen's voice woven into the design, enhancing the memorial's personal connection to her legacy. The construction of the memorial is estimated to cost between £23 million and £46 million, depending on the chosen design, and the selected design will be announced in the summer of 2025. The public consultation is expected to close on May 19, giving citizens an opportunity to express their views about the proposed ideas. This approach underscores the committee's initiative to engage the public in deciding how best to commemorate an extraordinary figure in British history. This memorial not only aims to serve as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's life and reign but will also contribute to community projects and facilities throughout the UK, following the legacy of past memorial initiatives. The committee, which is overseeing the selection of the design, includes Robin Janvin, the Queen's former private secretary, who is adamant about creating a landmark memorial to reflect the significance of the late monarch’s life and service to the country and the Commonwealth.