Millionaires lose battle to block sculpture tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Ben McCaffrey
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:27:12 +0000

Wealthy Mayfair locals have lost a battle to block a memorial to Queen Elizabeth II.

Two residents' groups that represent millionaires in Mayfair and St James’s objected to the plans, which will see multiple new national monuments in St James's Park.

They opposed the plans, which included an equestrian statue, a bridge, a golden sculpture, and a memorial to Prince Philip, because they would spoil the character of the park.

Concerns were also raised over a spike in crime and antisocial behaviour, creating new concealed spots that muggers could exploit, while also providing areas where rough sleepers might congregate.

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However, their objections were overruled by the Labour-run Westminster City Council on Tuesday evening.

Vice-chairman of the Queen Anne’s Gate Residents’ Association, Cathy Jones, voiced her concerns over the issues.

"We know the park well and care deeply about its protection. We fully support the principle of a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, but what we can’t support is the detrimental impact on St James’s Park in this proposal, in this location and at this scale," she said.

Ground disturbance, tree loss, and illegal cycling worries were also raised.

"There are practical consequences as well. Changes to paths and planting will reduce natural surveillance, particularly at night, increasing concerns about safety and antisocial behaviour," Ms Jones added.

She concluded: "While commemoration is, of course, fitting, this application does not show that such extensive and permanent harm to St James’s Park is necessary or proportionate."

Queen Anne’s Gate Residents’ Association members include residents of 18th-century properties described as "the best of their kind in London", with past occupants including Sting and MI6 founder Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming.

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The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s also expressed their apprehensions with the plans: "The proposed memorial introduces substantial new built elements – large figurative sculptures, a large re-engineered bridge and reconfigured paths that would fundamentally alter the park’s character, which is defined by its naturalistic, picturesque design.

"We believe the proposed development would cause substantial harm to the heritage, ecology, character and public value of St James’s Park."

The council said any potential negative impact of the tribute would be "fully outweighed by the substantial public benefits".

A government spokesman said: "The Queen Elizabeth Memorial will be a beautiful space for people to come together to reflect on and celebrate our longest-reigning monarch. We are pleased that the plans have been approved."

Sculptor Martin Jennings, whose portfolio includes a bust of the Queen Mother displayed in St Paul's Cathedral and the first crowned coinage portrait of King Charles, has been commissioned to create the work.

Architectural firm Fosters and Partners won a competition last year to design the tribute.