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Sky News
an hour ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Glass bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth II's wedding tiara among plans for national memorial
An architect who once criticised the King has won the bid to design a memorial in honour of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II. Lord Norman Foster will oversee the replacement of the current bridge in St James's Park with a "very light touch" glass one, inspired by the tiara the Queen wore on her wedding day. He will also transform the wider park with a statue of the Queen in a new space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate, a new Prince Philip Gate on the other side at Birdcage Walk, complete with a statue of the late Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen together, and a "family of gardens" around the new bridge. Lord Foster, known for designing The Gherkin, accused King Charles of using his "privileged position" to intervene in the plans for the former Chelsea Barracks in 2009. The then Prince of Wales, a fan of more traditional architecture, allegedly wrote to the Qatari developers requesting more classical plans be considered over those submitted by Lord Foster. But in an interview with on Monday, the architect said the pair are now "totally aligned". He insisted his previous "minor differences" with the King were in the past and "absolutely insignificant" as part of the bigger picture. Bridge to reflect Queen's 'unifying nature' The translucent "unity" bridge will represent the late monarch's ability to bring nations, communities, and the Commonwealth together. "The Queen encompassed, historically, periods of significant change, socially and technologically, but it was all very much with a light touch, and that light touch, the feeling should be that if you visit St James's Park and the site in question later, it will still feel very familiar," Lord Foster told the Press Association. It will be wider than the current stone bridge, allowing more visitors to enjoy the surrounding gardens, he added. "It will feel better. It won't be so crowded, although this number of people will be going through it, and the experience will be heightened, but it won't be 'Oh, my god, they've destroyed the tradition of this park'." Described by the designer as "jewel-like", the bridge's cast-glass balustrades will be inspired by the Queen Mary Fringe diamond tiara the then Princess Elizabeth wore on her wedding day to Prince Philip in 1947. The antique metal frame famously snapped as she was getting ready that morning and had to be rushed to the jewellers Garrard to be fixed before the ceremony. It was of great sentimental value to the Queen, who loaned it to her granddaughter Princess Beatrice to wear on her wedding day in 2020. Lord Foster plans for the bridge to be illuminated at night and be floated down the River Thames before being installed seamlessly overnight - without the need for heavy building work. The overall plans for the bridge, statues and gardens reflect the late monarch's "formal and informal" sides, he said. Lord Foster, who was appointed to the Order of Merit by the Queen in 1997 for his services to architecture, said: "Like many, I knew the Queen through formal occasions, but there was this very special relationship between Her Majesty and those of us who were members of the Order of Merit. "So we were privileged to see perhaps a more informal aspect of Her Majesty and in many ways that is mirrored in our design. "It is in some ways formal in its relationship to The Mall and informal in the gardens, and the perhaps breaking down those barriers in terms of narrative storytelling." Statue of couple to convey their 'inseparability' On his decision to include the late duke in his vision for the memorial, he said: "We showed them together and, in a way, there was this inseparable quality which we sought to convey." The Queen's former private secretary Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee responsible for awarding the commission for the bridge, hailed the design's "sensitivity". He suggested the Queen would have particularly liked the representation of her tiara. "Her Majesty would undoubtedly have liked the location and I think she would have picked up that echo of the tiara in the bridge," Lord Janvrin said. "I think the planting would have been of huge interest to her and the contrast between formal and informal - and the Commonwealth area would have resonated with her." He said it was fitting that someone who knew the Queen had been chosen to design the national memorial to her. "She knew him personally and made him a member of the Order of Merit, which is a personal gift way back in the late 1990s," he said. "So, in a way, I think the fact that he has been this hugely important figure during her reign is deeply appropriate to end up with this extraordinarily important assignment at this stage." He added that it "wouldn't have surprised him" if the King had already seen the design. The final plan will be unveiled in 2026 - the late Queen's 100th birthday year. Next, a sculptor will be appointed for the two statues. There are also plans for potential audio installations of the Queen's voice. Foster + Partners won the competition after being selected by the memorial committee from five shortlisted designs, with feedback taken from a public vote, as well as stakeholders and cultural experts. The winning team also includes artist Yinka Shonibare, ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett, who was behind the Superbloom planting scheme in the Tower of London's moat to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Plans for Queen Elizabeth's memorial unveiled – with bridge inspired by her tiara & touching nod to Prince Philip
RENOWNED architect Lord Foster has won the bid to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. He will transform St James's Park, outside Buckingham Palace, with the tribute, which will include a statue of her at Marlborough Gate. 7 7 7 7 An early artist's impression shows her on horseback, but it is not known if it will make the final designs, due next year. There will also be a statue of the late Duke of Edinburgh on the other side of the park and a glass Unity Bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth's wedding day tiara. A 'family of gardens' and a contemporary wind sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare are included in Lord Foster's plan. He described it as an honour to be awarded the project. Lord Foster, who was the brains behind The Gherkin, the renovated Reichstag in Berlin, and Swindon's Renault distribution centre, beat four other shortlisted designs. The world famous architect said his tiara-style bridge was symbolic of the Queen as a "unifying force". He said: "I knew the Queen on formal occasions but also enjoyed her informality when attending events as a member of the Order of Merit. "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. "At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces." There will now be talks with potential sculptors to create two new statues for the national memorial. It is expected to be finished and unveiled in 2026 when the late Queen would have turned 100-years-old. 7 7 7
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Plans for Queen Elizabeth's memorial unveiled – with bridge inspired by her tiara & touching nod to Prince Philip
RENOWNED architect Lord Foster has won the bid to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. He will transform St James's Park, outside Buckingham Palace, with the tribute, which will include a statue of her at Marlborough Gate. Advertisement 7 An early artist's impression of the memorial shows the late Queen on horseback Credit: PA 7 Lord Foster has won the bid to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II Credit: PA 7 The glass Unity Bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth's wedding day tiara Credit: PA 7 Lord Foster described it as an honour to be awarded the project Credit: Getty An early artist's impression shows her on horseback, but it is not known if it will make the final designs, due next year. There will also be a statue of the late Duke of Edinburgh on the other side of the park and a glass Unity Bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth's wedding day tiara. A 'family of gardens' and a contemporary wind sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare are included in Lord Foster's plan. He described it as an honour to be awarded the project. Advertisement Read more in Royals Lord Foster, who was the brains behind The Gherkin, the renovated Reichstag in Berlin, and Swindon's Renault distribution centre, beat four other shortlisted designs. The world famous architect said his tiara-style bridge was symbolic of the Queen as a "unifying force". He said: "I knew the Queen on formal occasions but also enjoyed her informality when attending events as a member of the Order of Merit. "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. Advertisement Most read in Royals Latest "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. "At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces." There will now be talks with potential sculptors to create two new statues for the national memorial. Advertisement It is expected to be finished and unveiled in 2026 when the late Queen would have turned 100-years-old. 7 Plans for the transformation of St James's Park Credit: PA 7 A contemporary wind sculpture by artist Yinka Shonibare is included in the plans Credit: PA 7 Members of the public will be able to enjoy the gardens Credit: PA Advertisement
The Independent
3 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Inside plans for national memorial to Queen Elizabeth
Renowned architect Lord Foster has won the bid to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, a project set to transform St James's Park. The memorial will feature a statue of the Queen at a new Queen Elizabeth II Place, a Prince Philip Gate with a statue of Philip, and a 'family of gardens'. A central element is a translucent, glass unity bridge inspired by the Queen's wedding tiara, symbolising her as a unifying force. Lord Foster described his 'light touch' design as aiming to enhance the park while preserving its familiar feel, with completion expected by 2026. The winning design was selected by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, and Lord Foster stated that any past disagreements with the King are now insignificant.
The Independent
4 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Queen Elizabeth memorial to feature Prince Phillip tribute and translucent bridge
Renowned architect Lord Foster has won the bid to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, a project set to transform St James's Park with a "contemplative" tribute to the nation's longest-reigning monarch. Key features include a statue of the Queen in a new civic space called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Marlborough Gate, a new Prince Philip Gate on the other side of the park on Birdcage Walk with a statue of Philip. The memorial will also incorporate a "family of gardens", meandering paths, and a translucent, glass unity bridge inspired by the late Queen's wedding tiara. Lord Foster, who was responsible for The Gherkin in London and once criticised the King for using his 'privileged position' to intervene in a development, said it was an honour and a privilege to be awarded the project. He said the bridge was symbolic of the Queen as a 'unifying force'. Lord Foster described his design as a 'very light touch' which aimed to capture both the formal and informal qualities of the late Queen. 'The Queen encompassed, historically, periods of significant change, socially and technologically, but it was all very much with a light touch, and that light touch, the feeling should be that if you visit St James's Park and the site in question later, it will still feel very familiar,' he said. 'It will feel better. It won't be so crowded, although this number of people will be going through it, and the experience will be heightened, but it won't be 'Oh, my god, they've destroyed the tradition of this Park'.' The architect, who was personally appointed to the Order of Merit by the Queen in 1997 in recognition of his service to architecture, said: 'Like many, I knew the Queen through formal occasions, but there was this very special relationship between Her Majesty and those of us who were members of the Order of Merit. 'So we were privileged to see perhaps a more informal aspect of Her Majesty, and in many ways that is mirrored in our design. 'It is in some ways formal in its relationship to The Mall and informal in the gardens, and perhaps breaking down those barriers in terms of narrative storytelling.' He added: 'At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces.' Speaking about the echoes of the Queen's wedding tiara, Lord Foster said it came from the 'idea of something that could be jewel-like could be very beautifully crafted and with a lot of loving care, so there would be the human touch to it'. The crossing with its cast-glass balustrades will replace the existing blue bridge and has been inspired by the Queen Mary Fringe diamond tiara worn by Princess Elizabeth on her wedding day to the late Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. Featuring 47 bars of diamonds, the tiara's antique metal frame famously snapped when the princess was getting ready on the morning of her wedding, and had to be rushed to jewellers Garrard to be fixed. The priceless headpiece was of great sentimental value to the Queen and she loaned it to her granddaughter, Princess Beatrice, for her wedding in 2020. Lord Foster said his plan also depicted a statue of both the Queen and Philip side by side at the Prince Philip Gate: 'We showed them together and, in a way, there was this inseparable quality which we sought to convey.' He also suggested the bridge across the lake would be illuminated at night, and spoke of plans to float the construction, which he described as a 'showcase of British architecture', down the River Thames and put it in place discreetly and seamlessly overnight, without the need for heavy building work. 'The pursuit of lightness and performance enables us overnight to remove an existing bridge and to put back a bridge, to have a very, very gentle presence at night, almost a kind of light lighting experience, and translucent and absolutely flat, hugging the surface of the lake so seamlessly,' he said. 'There's no heavy building work, big excavations, destroying nature. It's a very, very light touch.' The bridge, which may feature braille inscriptions along the handrail, will be gently wider in the middle to create more space for visitors using the crossing, in comparison to the narrow, existing blue bridge. Lord Foster added that the atmosphere of the memorial would be 'gentler, quieter, more contemplative, and an opportunity to rediscover, or perhaps for some to discover, the legacy of Her Majesty'. He insisted his previous 'minor differences' with the King were in the past and 'absolutely insignificant' as part of the bigger picture. In 2009, Lord Foster was one of a number of architects who publicly criticised the then- Prince of Wales over his lobbying and wrote a letter to a newspaper accusing Charles of using his 'privileged position' to 'skew the course' of the planning of the former Chelsea Barracks. The prince, who championed traditional approaches to architecture, had reportedly privately contacted developers Qatari Diar, backed by the Qatari royal family, to recommend more classical plans by architect Quinlan Terry, rather than those by modernist architect Lord Rogers. But Lord Foster said on Monday: 'First of all, this is a memorial to the legacy of Her Majesty and, big picture, the concerns of King Charles and anybody, myself included, who has a concern for the environment, we're all totally aligned. 'And any minor differences in the past about debates or whatever, I mean, that really is the past, and in the big picture is absolutely insignificant.' He added: 'I engaged with Prince Charles on our project for the Royal Academy, many, many years ago, and I've always enjoyed any such exchanges.' Foster + Partners won the competition after being selected by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee from five shortlisted designs, with feedback taken from a public vote, as well as stakeholders and cultural experts. The proposal for the memorial will be subject to change, with the panel of committee members working with the team on the final design, which is expected to be unveiled in 2026, which would have been the late Queen's 100th birthday year. The next stage will be to appoint a sculptor and decide on the designs of the statues. The winning team also includes artist Yinka Shonibare, ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett, who was behind the Superbloom planting scheme in the Tower of London's moat to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, and landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, and the plans features potential for audio installations of the Queen's voice. Other elements are a contemporary wind sculpture by Shonibare for reflection featuring floral depictions inspired by the Queen's coronation gown, a communities of the UK garden, a Commonwealth garden and a Prince Philip Gate garden. The Queen's former private secretary, Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, hailed the plan's 'sensitivity'. He suggested the Queen would have particularly liked the representation of her tiara. 'Her Majesty would undoubtedly have liked the location and I think she would have picked up that echo of the tiara in the bridge,' Lord Janvrin said. 'I think the planting would have been of huge interest to her and the contrast between formal and informal – and the Commonwealth area would have resonated with her'. Lord Janvrin described Lord Foster as an outstanding national figure. 'Throughout the Queen's reign, Lord Foster was a key figure in British architecture,' he said. 'She knew him personally and made him a member of the Order of Merit, which is a personal gift way back in the late 90s. 'So, in a way, I think the fact that he has been this hugely important figure during her reign is deeply appropriate to end up with this extraordinarily important assignment at this stage.' The decision was part of a commercial competition with the winning design made by the committee and the King having no input in the choice, but Buckingham Palace was aware of the shortlisted entries, Lord Janvrin said. 'It wouldn't have surprised me if he'd had a good look at them,' Lord Janvrin said of the King. Foster + Partners saw off competition from teams such as Heatherwick Studio, which suggested a bridge of togetherness with a giant canopy of stone lily pads.
