London, United Kingdom (AFP) — A significant national memorial dedicated to Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth II will be erected in London’s St James’s Park, a site of profound historical and constitutional importance, according to an announcement made by the UK government on Saturday.
The chosen location in St James’s Park, which is situated along the ceremonial route of The Mall and in close proximity to Buckingham Palace—the residence of her son, King Charles III—holds a special connection to Queen Elizabeth II. Additionally, the site is near the statues of her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, lending further familial and historical context to the memorial.
The government emphasized that the memorial aims to be a befitting tribute that not only serves as a monument but also provides a space for reflection and community gathering. The scale and ambition of the project is intended to match the immense impact that Queen Elizabeth II had on national life, The Commonwealth, and the world at large.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the lasting significance of the queen’s contributions. “The national memorial will be located in St James’s Park, right in the heart of the capital, providing everyone with a place to honour the Late Queen and connect with the shared history we cherish,” Starmer said. He stressed that the queen’s “enduring legacy of service and devotion to our country will never be forgotten.”
In addition to the central London memorial, there will be supplementary memorial projects established in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring that all parts of the United Kingdom have dedicated spaces to honor the late monarch.
This announcement comes as the nation prepares to mark the two-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. Her reign, which spanned 70 years and 214 days, stands as a record in British history, and the upcoming memorial aims to commemorate her long-standing service and dedication.
The project illustrates a commitment to preserving the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, ensuring that her influence and contributions continue to be recognized and appreciated by future generations.
