For years, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II has continued to shape the British cultural and public environment, not just through the memories people hold, but through physical tributes and memorials being erected across the nation. Recent initiatives to commemorate her life and reign reflect the diverse expressions of respect and nostalgia from the public and create spaces for reflection and community engagement.
Among the most notable of these tributes is the planned statue set to be unveiled at St. James’s Park on what would have been her 100th birthday, April 21, 2026. This monument, celebrated for its intent to honor the life and contributions of the late Queen, is part of broader initiatives aimed at honoring her memory. The announcement of the statue came after various discussions characterized by emotion following her death on September 8, 2022.
Lord Robin Janvrin, who served as Her Majesty's former private secretary, was appointed to lead the Queen Elizabeth memorial committee. He stated, "It is an honor to be asked to chair the committee. It will be a unique challenge to try to capture for future generations Her late Majesty’s extraordinary contribution to our national life throughout her very long reign.” This encapsulates the sentiment shared by many as they look for ways to share the Queen’s legacy with subsequent generations.
The location of St. James’s Park was selected with care, as it has hosted numerous royal events throughout the years including Trooping the Colour, Changing the Guard, and various jubilees. Nestled near other important royal memorials, including the statue of Queen Victoria, the new tribute will contribute to the significant collection of royal history found within this area.
Juxtaposed with this planned future installation is the recent dedication of two corgi sculptures at the Walsall Arboretum, unveiled on September 28, 2024. These sculptures celebrate both the Queen's legacy and her well-known affection for corgis, her beloved canine companions throughout her life. Crafted by local artists Julie Edwards and Ron Thompson, the corgis are made from cast metal and stand atop reclaimed Cornish granite plinths, complete with water bowls for dogs.
Walsall Council commissioned this artwork, inspired by the significant public response to the Queen’s passing. According to local officials, hundreds of residents signed condolence books and laid flowers throughout the community. Councillor Garry Perry commented, “Following the death of our late Queen, we all witnessed the response from the people of Walsall. This administration decided we should have a lasting memorial to the late Queen here in our Borough.” He expressed hope the sculptures would become part of new traditions for future generations of families visiting the Arboretum.
The event for the corgi sculptures featured various festivities, including music from the West Midlands Police Brass Band and poetry readings inspired by park users' reflections on the Arboretum. Attendees were invited to bring their pets to enjoy the celebrations, which connected the community and the memory of the Queen.
Notably, Queen Elizabeth II had previously visited the Arboretum during one of her first official trips to Walsall back in 1962, reinforcing the significance of this location for memorialization efforts.
The public reaction to these memorials and statues has been mixed but largely positive, showcasing the collective sentiment surrounding the Queen’s legacy. Whereas the initiative for the statue at St. James’s Park is still underway, local responses to the corgi sculptures reveal how easily such installations can engage communities, creating shared spaces for memory and celebration.
Despite the celebration of her life through these memorials, there have been debates around how public art should evolve to reflect society's current values versus its historical narratives. For example, controversy has arisen with the recent installation of art on the Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth—an art piece meant to symbolize diversity, which has garnered criticism as being incongruent with traditional British cultural values.
Rafe Heydel Mankoo, representing the New Culture Forum, criticized the new artwork, arguing it detracts from Britain's heritage. He described it as "ugly, crude, and unimaginative," questioning why such pieces are imposed upon the public. He lamented the loss of traditional representations within public art reflecting British culture, arguing for the importance of commemorative artworks aligned with collective historical narratives.
Among these contrasting viewpoints, one constant remains: the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II continues to spark conversations about identity, culture, and memory. The blend of contemporary reception and historic reverence presented through new monuments and tributes demonstrates how communities both honor the past and navigate modern values.
With memorials like the corgi sculptures and the planned statue at St. James’s Park, it is clear the British public is eager to celebrate and reflect on the life of their longest-reigning monarch. Whether through traditional or modern forms of memorialization, the collective act of remembering the Queen signifies the cultural shift and the importance of adaptation, as her legacy remains deeply intertwined with the fabric of British society.
