Since their first meeting in February this year, the Queen
Elizabeth Memorial Committee have been meeting a variety of
experts and sector leaders from across the UK, to help shape
their recommendations.
These meetings, which have included roundtables and visits to
locations in all four nations, have focused on various
aspects of the memorialisation programme, covering both the
design of the permanent memorial and broader themes for the
legacy programme. Participants have included historians and
academics, such as Dame Mary Beard; environmental experts such as
Tony Juniper (Chair of Natural England); figures from the world
of arts like Andrew Ellis (Chief Executive of Art UK); digital
artists such as Doddz; and experts in heritage and the built
environment such as Professor Elizabeth McKellar and Sir Charles
Saumarez . Dame Mary Beard shared, “It is
tremendously important to create a memorial to the Queen that is
appropriate, relevant and in some way makes a difference. It was
fascinating and fun to be part of generating ideas, hearing what
others had to say, from the feasible to the blue sky''.
These sessions have generated valuable insights and lively
debate, and have been invaluable in helping the Committee in
creating memorial projects that will resonate with people both
locally and globally. Digital Artist, Doddz commented, “It was an
honour to participate in such an important discussion about how
digital elements can enhance Queen Elizabeth II's memorial. The
roundtable highlighted the power of digital tools to connect
past, present, and future generations, creating emotional and
meaningful experiences for all.”
The Committee has also been committed to engaging closely with
young people of various ages and backgrounds to ensure they have
the opportunity to help shape the Committee's recommendations.
Representatives from #IWill and the National Citizen Service were
invited to engagement sessions where they provided valuable input
on how future generations might interact with Queen Elizabeth's
legacy.
Young Ambassadors from the National Citizen Service, commented,
“I was honoured to participate in this significant
decision-making process, and look forward to seeing its long-term
impact on helping the next generation understand the legacy of
Queen Elizabeth II” and that “involving young people in these
conversations can help bridge the generational gap and develop
something meaningful for all age groups.”
and the Committee will
continue to meet with various groups in the coming months as they
refine their ideas for commemorating Queen Elizabeth II. If you
have an idea you would like to share with them, please contact
the committee at queenelizabethmemorial@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
