- Their London memorial garden takes shape
Plans to commemorate the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth (1926-2022) in 2026 are underway. The Royal Parks charity has announced that planning permission has been granted for a new garden in London's Regent's Park to celebrate the life of the Queen. The mother of King Charles III (75) was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having died in September 2022 at the age of 96. She would have turned 100 on April 21, 2026.
Pond, Promenade, and Flower Garden
"A disused nursery in the heart of Regent's Park is being transformed into a beautiful two-hectare garden that is set to open in 2026 to celebrate the late Queen's centenary," reads the Royal Parks statement. "The garden will feature a round pond that improves wildlife habitat, a central promenade with a walkable platform over the pond, and a vibrant flower garden showcasing species significant to the late Queen."
In a behind-the-scenes video, Matthew Halsall, Senior Landscape Project Manager, explains that disused cultivation areas are being turned into a garden that "turns grey into green." It will complement the historic gardens in Regent's Park while introducing sustainable innovations.
Water Tower to Become Viewing Platform
Plans call for an old water tower to be converted into a walkable viewing platform with panoramic views of the gardens. The tower will also provide habitat for birds, bats, and other animals. The garden "will significantly increase biodiversity in the park through various habitats such as nectar-rich planting, meadows, woods, and hedges to accommodate wildlife," the statement reads. Sustainable standards include the reuse of steel from the former greenhouse for the new pergola and reused water tower, and the conversion of demolished concrete into new planting substrate.
According to The Telegraph, the Queen's favorite flower will also be featured in the garden. The late monarch preferred daffodils, which were among orchids from England, stephanotis from Scotland, orchids from Wales, carnations from Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man that were included in her 1953 coronation bouquet.
A Place for Reflection
"The granting of planning permission is an exciting step forward in creating the new garden, which is designed as a quiet, accessible place for reflection. It will provide a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city," said Andrew Scattergood, Chief Executive of Royal Parks. "This space will add two hectares of biodiverse parkland that everyone can enjoy and explore."
Plans for a memorial garden to remember the life of Queen Elizabeth were previously announced, and public events were held in January to gather feedback from residents. Regent's Park is about 2.5 miles north of Buckingham Palace and is one of eight parks cared for by the Royal Parks charity, which also looks after London landmarks such as Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
King Charles is the patron of Royal Parks, which was established in July 2017 to manage 5,000 hectares of royal parkland in London. The charity is one of the patronages the traditionally minded monarch assumed after the death of his mother nearly three years ago.
A garden is a fitting tribute to the late Queen, who served as patron of the Royal Horticultural Society for 70 years and visited its flagship event, the Chelsea Flower Show, over 50 times during her record-breaking reign. Her last visit was in May 2022, when she explored the event in a golf cart.
The new garden in Regent's Park, set to open in 2026, will pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II by featuring her favorite flower, daffodils. This tranquil space, designed for reflection, will also serve as a quiet retreat from city life and add two hectares of biodiverse parkland to Regent's Park.
