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Queen Elizabeth II Memorial to Feature Glass Bridge Inspired by Her Wedding Tiara

The design concept submitted by Foster + Partners is meant celebrate the late royal’s life of service

By Alexandria Sillo
Serene park scene with ducks on a pond, people crossing a bridge, lush trees, and a ferris wheel in the background.
A new bridge, replacing the existing Blue Bridge, will feature a cast-glass balustrade that recalls Queen Elizabeth’s wedding tiara. Photo: Foster + Partners

The winning design for the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in London’s St. James’s Park has been unveiled, with the bid going to Foster + Partners. At the heart of the design is a translucent bridge, inspired by the tiara Queen Elizabeth wore at her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip. The bridge is also meant to symbolize the Queen’s many successes in working to unify countries, charities, armed forces, and more.

The bridge would replace the park’s existing Blue Bridge, and will feature a cast-glass balustrade. The design from Foster + Partners was chosen out of a field of five, with the final plans to be unveiled next year. Firms were asked to come up with a concept that would honor and celebrate the Queen’s life of service.

Equestrian statue of a figure on horseback surrounded by trees with people walking nearby in a park setting.
Foster + Partners’ design concept features figurative sculptures. Photo: Foster + Partners

“It is an honor and a privilege for our team to be awarded this project,” said Norman Foster, founder of Foster + Partners and a Galerie Creative Mind. “Her Majesty loved history and tradition, so this is reflected in the inspiration of the original design of St James’s Park by Sir John Nash. Some of his principles have survived, whilst others have been lost and will be restored, creating a family of gardens joined by gently meandering paths.”

In addition to the bridge, the team, which includes artist Yinka Shonibare and landscape designer Michel Desvigne, submitted a concept that features gardens with space for reflection, artistic installations, figurative sculptures, and a new Prince Philip Gate.

Foster + Partners’ design concept features figurative sculptures. Photo: Foster + Partners
People walking and enjoying a lush garden path surrounded by tall trees and vibrant greenery under a sunlit sky.
Couple walking in a lush park with a large golden sculpture, surrounded by trees and people enjoying the scenery.
Artistic installations will celebrate the nation’s diversity. Photo: Foster + Partners

“I knew The Queen on formal occasions but also enjoyed her informality when attending events as a member of the Order of Merit,” Foster continued. “We have sought to reflect these qualities of the formal and informal in our design, with an appeal across a wide range of ages and interests. To these ends, we have discreetly stretched the boundaries of art and technology with a deliberately gentle intervention. Our design will have the minimum impact on the nature and biodiversity of the park and it will be phased to ensure that the precious route across it will never be closed.”