Foster + Partners were selected as the design firm for the national memorial, a decision the Cabinet Office announced in 2025.

The Cabinet Office announced the national memorial project, detailing the collaboration between Karen Newman and Martin Jennings and emphasizing the aim to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy.

Lord Foster, who designed the memorial, underscored Newman’s talent and sensitivity and is set to supervise the project in his leadership role.

The memorial will pair Newman’s bronze sculpture with a larger Queen statue by Martin Jennings overlooking The Mall, and a new statue of Prince Philip will be placed near Marlborough Gate to reflect the Queen–Philip partnership.

Lord Foster praised Newman for bringing dignity and sensitivity to the project and will oversee the overall memorial, with Jennings joining the team and expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration.

Final designs are planned to be unveiled in April to coincide with what would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday.

Karen Newman, a renowned artist and former Madame Tussauds sculptor, was commissioned to sculpt a portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II’s strong and complex personality for the national memorial in central London.