December 12th 2024.
Queen Elizabeth II, the long-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, passed away on September 8, 2022 at her home in Balmoral Castle. As the nation mourned the loss of their beloved Queen, plans were already being made to honor her memory with a national memorial.
The estimated cost for the memorial was a staggering £46,000,000, as revealed by a provisional budget released prior to the selection of a design. This sparked excitement and anticipation as artists, architects, and engineers were invited to submit their proposals for the monument. The chosen design would stand in the heart of London, near St James's Park's Blue Bridge, providing a stunning view of Buckingham Palace, Horse Guard Parade, Big Ben, and the London Eye.
The committee in charge of the project, led by the late Queen's former private secretary Lord Janvrin, emphasized the importance of creating a beautiful and meaningful place for people to gather and reflect on the extraordinary life of Queen Elizabeth II. The estimated cost of the memorial was enough to pay the annual salary of over 1,200 nurses or 1,400 teachers, or to build 300 new houses. This amount included the cost of replacing the low-arched concrete pedestrian bridge over the park's lake, which was constructed in 1957 to replace a 19th century iron suspension bridge.
Interestingly, this was not the first bridge to span the lake. In fact, two bridges existed before the Blue Bridge was built, including an 19th century iron suspension bridge and a Chinese wooden bridge with a central seven-storey pagoda. The latter caught fire during royal firework festivities, resulting in its replacement with the current bridge.
Located near Westminster and Buckingham Palace, St James's Park was the ideal location for the memorial. However, the cost estimate was subject to change and was intended as a guide for the design teams submitting their proposals. The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee would evaluate the submissions based on a value for money criteria, with the memorial being funded by public funds.
The completed memorial would be an "emotionally powerful place" with a pathway leading down to the lake, areas for reflection, and a monument representing Queen Elizabeth at Marlborough Gate. The winner of the competition was expected to be announced the following summer, after a two-stage competition. The first stage's deadline was set for January 20, with the final design being revealed in 2026 - the year that would have marked the Queen's 100th birthday.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, expressed the importance of creating a permanent tribute to the late Queen's legacy, providing a space for both reflection and celebration. The final design would require approval from the Prime Minister and the King, further emphasizing the significance of this project.
In conclusion, the national memorial for Queen Elizabeth II was not only a tribute to her remarkable reign, but also a symbol of the love and admiration the nation had for their Queen. The competition for the design of the monument would attract the finest teams of architects, artists, and other specialists, all united in their ambition to create a fitting tribute to the Queen's unforgettable contribution to national life.
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