Britain’s royal family is set to commemorate what would have been the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II with the unveiling of detailed plans for a new charity initiative and a major memorial in central London.
A series of events is scheduled for Tuesday in tribute to the late monarch, who passed away nearly four years ago at the age of 96 after becoming Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign.
Her son, King Charles III, alongside Queen Camilla, will visit the British Museum to review proposed designs for the memorial. Meanwhile, her daughter, Princess Anne, will officially open the Queen Elizabeth II Garden at Regent’s Park.
In a video message shared on the Royal Family’s YouTube channel, Charles reflected on his mother’s enduring impact, saying, “Her near century was one of remarkable change, and yet, through each passing decade, through every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served.”
Plans for the memorial include a redesign of St. James’s Park, highlighted by a translucent glass “unity” bridge inspired by the tiara Elizabeth wore on her wedding day.
The site will also feature statues of the late queen and her husband, Prince Philip.
The queen’s statue will be cast in bronze by sculptor Martin Jennings, drawing inspiration from the iconic portrait by Pietro Annigoni, which depicts her in the robes of the Order of the Garter gazing into the distance, according to the UK Cabinet Office.
In addition to the physical monument, a digital memorial is also planned, offering access to archival materials from Elizabeth’s reign.
The platform will allow people worldwide to share personal memories and link them to significant events and locations.
A new charitable initiative, the Queen Elizabeth Trust, will also be launched with a one-off £40 million ($54 million) endowment.
The fund aims to support community-focused spaces such as local centres and green areas, continuing the late monarch’s legacy of service.
Later in the day, Charles and Camilla will host guests at Buckingham Palace, including representatives of charities supported by Elizabeth, as well as individuals marking their own 100th birthdays.
To further mark the occasion, commemorative stamps and coins have been issued, while Buckingham Palace is staging a months-long exhibition showcasing the largest public display of the late queen’s fashion.
