On the 100th anniversary of her birth, the design for a monument honoring the late Queen Elizabeth has been revealed. The monument, set to be the centerpiece of a national memorial in London’s St James’ Park, pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and her lifelong dedication to public service, as stated by the architect.

The statue will portray Elizabeth II during the early years of her reign, adorned in the robes of the Order of the Garter, inspired by a renowned painting by Pietro Annigoni. Renowned sculptor Martin Jennings will craft the bronze sculpture.

The unveiling of the statue’s design took place at the British Museum, where the Royal Family reviewed the recommendations for the Queen Elizabeth Memorial. King Charles praised the memorial, while Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh described it as a fitting portrayal of the late Queen in her youth.

Despite the Royal Family’s positive reception, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the statue online, criticizing it as uninspiring and lacking resemblance to the long-reigning monarch. Calls were made to revert to the original concept of depicting the Queen on horseback, symbolizing her leadership on The Mall for over three decades.

Advocates for the equestrian depiction argued that it would have captured the queen’s heroic image more effectively. They emphasized the need for an elegant and majestic sculpture that aligns with the late monarch’s legacy.

While online critics deemed the statue as underwhelming, Sculptor Martin Jennings reported the King’s warm approval upon seeing the sculptures. The memorial, set to be completed in 2028, will stand at seven meters tall, positioned to catch the evening light and honor the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.