Royal tribute designs have landed – and honestly, they're giving me FEELINGS

By HOAR Team 8 May, 2025 5 mins read 78 Views

Oh. My. God. I've just seen the shortlisted designs for Queen Elizabeth II's memorial statue and I'm having a moment. There she is, atop a magnificent horse in one design, looking every bit the monarch we knew and loved. I'm not crying, you're crying!

I was scrolling through my feed yesterday when these popped up - the Government finally unveiled the five contenders for Her Majesty's permanent tribute near Buckingham Palace. And guess what? They want US to weigh in! Like, actual normal people get to have opinions on this £46 million project. (My bank account just laughed at that figure.)

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Horse Girl Energy That Would Make Her Smile

Three of teh designs feature the Queen on horseback, which feels so right considering how much she adored her four-legged friends. My cousin who worked at Windsor once told me she'd sometimes spot Her Majesty out riding well into her 90s. Absolute legend.

The Foster + Partners design is probably my favorite - they've created this gorgeous scene where she's on horseback, looking regal as ever, with this whole "bringing people together" vibe. Their notes literally say it "honours Queen Elizabeth II's ability to unite people, communities and nations." Feels spot on.

Wait... Is That a Golden Tree?

Tom Stuart-Smith went in a completely different direction with an oak tree concept. Bold move.

He's calling it "a landscape of story-telling around objects from the world she lived in" which sounds fancy but actually makes sense when you look at it. The oak representing steadfastness is clever - reminds me of that time in 2018 when I visited Windsor Great Park and was blown away by how many ancient trees the royal estates maintain.

Listen. This memorial matters. The Queen was part of our lives for so long that choosing the wrong design would feel like a personal betrayal.

Bridges, Bedrock, and a Bit of Confusion

The WilkinsonEyre design with all those intertwined bridges is... interesting? They say it "draws inspiration from threads of her life" including her faith, family, and Prince Philip. It's giving me modern art vibes, which I'm not sure is what most people picture when they think "Queen Elizabeth memorial."

J&L Gibbons went with this whole "bedrock" concept, saying she was "the nation's bedrock" so they created a bridge over soil, tree roots and water. Conceptually cool, but I wonder if my nan would "get it" when she visits.

And then there's Heatherwick Studio with their horse-and-lilies design about "togetherness." It's actually growing on me the more I look at it.

You've Got Until May 19th (Mark Your Calendar!)

Lord Janvrin, who's heading up the memorial committee, made a good point: "Memories of her are still fresh and we need to capture the essence." No pressure, designers!

We've all got until May 19 to share our thoughts before they pick a winner. The whole thing should be unveiled sometime next year.

I spent 20 minutes last night showing these designs to my husband who just nodded politely while trying to watch football. Poor man.

Have Your Say (Because Why Not?)

If you're feeling opinionated about royal statues (and who isn't?), you can check out all the designs and leave your feedback at competitions.malcolmreading.com/queenelizabethmemorial/gallery.

Personally, I'm torn between the horse designs and that golden oak. What would the Queen prefer? Something traditional or something that breaks the mold?

Whatever they choose, I just hope it captures something of her spirit – that twinkle in her eye when she was amused, or that steady presence that guided us through decades of change.

I'll be watching this space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of royalty?

Historically, royalty has played a pivotal role in shaping nations, influencing laws, and establishing social order. Monarchs often acted as mediators in conflicts and were seen as embodiments of their nation's identity and unity.

What are some famous royal families in history?

Some famous royal families include the British Royal Family, the House of Windsor, the House of Bourbon in France, and the Romanov family in Russia. Each has significantly influenced their respective nations and history.

Are royal families involved in politics?

The level of political involvement varies by country. In constitutional monarchies, royals may have ceremonial roles without political power, while in absolute monarchies, they may wield significant influence over governance.

How do royal families maintain their relevance?

Royal families maintain their relevance through public engagement and adaptation to contemporary issues. Many royals focus on charitable work, participate in social causes, and utilize media platforms to connect with the public.

Statistics

Research indicates that public support for monarchy in the UK remains strong, with around 70% of the population favoring the institution.
Some modern monarchs, such as Norway's King Harald V, have chosen to live modestly, with their annual income being largely funded by the state.
In Sweden, the monarchy has been a constitutional institution since 1809, with King Carl XVI Gustaf serving since 1973.
The British Royal Family, one of the most recognized royal families, has an estimated annual expenditure of around £100 million.
According to surveys, 60% of people in Canada support maintaining the monarchy as part of their national identity.
The average age of reigning monarchs worldwide is approximately 63 years old, reflecting both longevity and the hereditary nature of royal succession.
The royal family of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world, with a history that dates back over 1,500 years.
Royal families often have extensive wealth, with estimates suggesting that the House of Windsor is worth over £500 million.

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How To

How To Analyze the Public Perception of Royal Families

Analyzing public perception of royal families involves gathering and interpreting data on public opinions and attitudes. Start by reviewing surveys and polls that gauge public sentiment toward royals in various countries. Examine how factors such as media coverage, scandals, and royal engagements influence public views. Engage with academic studies that explore the relationship between monarchy and democracy, as well as the role of modern values in shaping perceptions. Utilizing social media analytics can provide insights into how conversations about royalty evolve over time. By synthesizing this information, you can better understand the complexities of public perception regarding royal families.