The memorial intends to create a gentle and contemplative atmosphere, allowing visitors to rediscover the Queen's legacy.

A new memorial design honoring Queen Elizabeth II has been awarded to a team led by renowned architect Lord Foster and heritage specialists Purcell, featuring a statue of the Queen and a translucent glass bridge.

The project, expected to be completed by 2026, involves collaboration with various artists and specialists in ecology and landscape architecture.

Located in St James's Park near Buckingham Palace, the memorial aims to provide a contemplative tribute to the late monarch.

The unity bridge will replace the current blue bridge, inspired by the Queen Mary Fringe tiara, and is designed to be light and seamlessly integrated into the landscape.

The memorial is a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary team, including artist Yinka Shonibare and landscape architect Michel Desvigne, with plans for audio installations featuring the Queen's voice.

Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, praised the design's sensitivity and its alignment with the Queen's legacy, believing it will help people reflect on her extraordinary life.

The final design for the memorial is set to be unveiled in 2026, coinciding with what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday.

Foster + Partners won the design competition, which included public feedback and contributions from experts like artist Yinka Shonibare and ecologist Prof Nigel Dunnett.

Despite previous criticisms of King Charles regarding architectural lobbying, Lord Foster now considers those differences 'absolutely insignificant' in light of the project.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams emphasized the symbolic nature of the bridge, highlighting its representation of national unity.

The memorial's location is significant, being visible from Buckingham Palace, and Lord Janvrin believes the Queen would have approved of this thoughtful tribute.