London’s St. James’s Park chosen for Queen Elizabeth II memorial

On September 7, the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee announced that the planned memorial for Queen Elizabeth II will be located in St. James's Park, London.

A previously unseen photo of Queen Elizabeth II was released by Buckingham Palace during her Platinum Jubilee in early 2022. The memorial will be situated in the section of St. James's Park next to The Mall at Marlborough Gate, encompassing land around a pathway leading to a nearby lake and including the Blue Bridge.

The unveiling of the memorial is scheduled for April 21, 2026, to mark the centenary of her birth. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked, “Queen Elizabeth II's enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten.” He noted that St. James's Park, being "right in the heart of the capital," will offer a meaningful space for people to honor the late Queen and connect with the cherished shared history.

The site was selected due to its proximity to Buckingham Palace and the statues of the Queen's parents, King George VI and Queen Mother Elizabeth. The memorial will both celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's life and service and provide a space for visitors to "pause and reflect," according to the committee's press release.

In a related event, on September 12, 2022, members of the public gathered in Green Park, London, to lay flowers, messages, cards, and teddy bears in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The British government will support the memorial project and accept contributions from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Later this year, the committee will seek design proposals from architects, artists, and designers.