Princess Anne steps out in Regent's Park to open Queen Elizabeth II Garden

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin, 


Published: 21/04/2026

- 11:52

Updated: 21/04/2026

- 12:11

Queen Elizabeth II would have celebrated her 100th birthday today

Princess Anne stepped out in Regent's Park to honour the late Queen today.

The Princess Royal officially opened the Queen Elizabeth II Garden, a newly created two-acre memorial space situated within Regent's Park.


The tranquil garden, designed as a fully accessible area for quiet contemplation in central London, honours the life and dedicated service of the late monarch.

Queen Elizabeth II would have celebrated her 100th birthday today, having been born on April 21, 2026.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne arriving at Regent's Park in London

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She died on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96, just months after her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Dr Linda Yeuh, who chairs the Royal Parks, greeted Princess Anne upon her arrival at the site today.

Representatives from The Queen Elizabeth II Garden Project subsequently guided the Princess Royal through the grounds.

They explained the various design elements and introduced her to members of the horticultural team responsible for maintaining the space.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne dressed in burnt orange for the occasion

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During the ceremony, Anne visited the Water Tower, where blacksmith Ian Thackray, an alumnus of the King's Foundation, described the significance of the water feature he had created.

The mother-of-two was then presented with a gilded metal flower specially crafted for the memorial site.

A reception followed in the garden itself, attended by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and the Heritage Minister alongside representatives from the Royal Parks and the Queen Elizabeth II Garden Project.

The Princess Royal concluded the official proceedings by unveiling a commemorative plaque, formally marking the opening of the space developed through a collaboration between the Royal Parks and HTA Design.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II

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Princess Anne

Princess Anne speaking with members of the gardening team

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The garden features a circular pond designed to support wildlife, alongside flower beds planted with species that held particular significance for the late Queen.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy panoramic views across Regent's Park from a dedicated viewing platform.

Environmental sustainability sits at the heart of the project, with climate-resilient planting throughout and a projected biodiversity net gain of 184 per cent.

The memorial space, which showcases sustainable horticultural practices, will welcome its first public visitors on April 27, 2026, less than a week after today's official opening ceremony.