The iconic Queen Elizabeth II will soon be immortalized in a national monument, but here’s the twist: she won’t be depicted on horseback, as many initially imagined. Instead, the memorial committee has revealed that the statue will feature Her Majesty standing tall, a decision that’s already sparking conversations. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some applaud the choice to emphasize her role as head of state, others wonder if this departure from the regal imagery of a horse-mounted monarch truly captures her legacy. Let’s dive into the details.
The memorial, set to grace St James's Park in central London near Buckingham Palace, will include three statues and a stunning tiara-shaped glass balustrade adorning a bridge. Among the highlights is a smaller sculpture designed by Karen Newman, a former waxwork artist at Madame Tussauds, whose portfolio includes figures like Prince Philip. And this is the part most people miss—Newman’s work will stand alongside the main statue on The Mall, crafted by Martin Jennings, which will portray Queen Elizabeth II in a dignified standing pose rather than astride a horse, as shown in earlier illustrations.
King Charles has been closely consulted on the project, with the final design slated for public unveiling in April 2026, marking the centenary of the late Queen’s birth. Jennings explained his decision, stating, ‘My design emphasizes her role as head of state and honors the sculptural tradition of the House of Windsor, where monarchs are depicted standing.’ The Cabinet Office clarified that the earlier horse-riding images were purely illustrative, intended to showcase size, scale, and location rather than the final concept.
The statue will join existing memorials to Queen Elizabeth’s parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, both of whom are depicted standing in formal robes. Nearby, a statue of her husband, Prince Philip, will also grace the park. The memorial complex will feature a glass balustrade on a bridge over a lake, commemorative gardens, and an additional sculpture by Karen Newman at another park entrance. Newman, known for her lifelike portrayals of figures like Charles Dance, Roger Daltrey, and World War II heroines Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, expressed her honor at sculpting the late Queen. ‘She was an iconic and unifying figure, and I’m eager to capture her strong, complex personality,’ she said. Lord Norman Foster, the architect leading the design team, praised Newman’s ‘talent and sensitivity,’ predicting it will bring profound dignity to the work.
However, the project’s cost—estimated between £23 million and £46 million—has drawn criticism from the anti-monarchy group Republic, who argue that the royal family, not taxpayers, should fund the monument. Is this a fair critique, or is it a small price to pay for honoring a monarch who reigned for seven decades? Weigh in below—what do you think about the statue’s design and the funding debate? Your thoughts could spark a royal-sized discussion!
