UK government launches major initiative for 'permanent tribute' to Queen Elizabeth

British government has launched a new major initiative to provide a ‘permanent tribute’ to late Queen Elizabeth II.

According to a report by AFP, the government has launched a search for a team to design a "historic" memorial to pay lasting tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The monument will be erected in central London´s sprawling St James´s Park.

The "permanent memorial to the UK´s longest-serving monarch" will be "one of the most significant design projects in recent British history", a government statement said.

St James´s Park is the oldest of the royal parks, flanked on either end by Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade.

As per report, it will have a provisional budget of £23-46 million ($29-58 mn), including the cost of constructing a new bridge across the park´s lake.

"This National Memorial will provide a permanent tribute to the late Queen´s legacy, offering space for reflection as well as celebration," said senior cabinet minister Pat McFadden.

"We want the very best architects and designers to come forward with their ideas for how this historic project should look," he added.

The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee said it was seeking "a design that is beautiful, inclusive and sustainable".

Architect-led submissions for the two-stage competition will be open from December 12, 2024 to January 20, 2025.

Shortlisted teams will then have 10 weeks to create design masterplans.

The final design will be announced in time for what would have been Elizabeth II´s 100th birthday in 2026, the government confirmed.

Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022 after more than 70 years on the throne, and was succeeded by her eldest son, who became King Charles III.