Queen Elizabeth's Centenary: New Statue & Digital Archive

0:00On April 20th, a bronze statue of a young Queen Elizabeth II in her garter robes got unveiled this week marking what would have been her one. Hundredth birthday. It's set for St. James's Park in a spot called Queen Elizabeth II place, right overlooking the mall. Right next to her stands a smaller figure of Prince Philip in his naval uniform, gazing up at his wife of 73 years. The design draws from a 1955 portrait by artist Pietro Anagoni capturing her early in her reign at age 28. Architect Lord Norman Foster shaped it with Philip pose just like he often stood, arms behind his back. To make room, they'll tweak the historic Marbro gate and swap the Blue Bridge for a glass one inspired by her wedding tiara. Organizes one of the Queen front and center on the ceremonial route, standing tall on her own pedestal, but included Philip a step behind as her key, partner. Lord John Vrin from the Memorial Committee called it a team effort that honors their bond.

1:01The royal family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, checked out models at the British Museum during centenary events. This kicks off three big projects, the physical Memorial, a new Queen Elizabeth trust charity and a digital archive pulling public memories. Folks can share stories on Queen Elizabeth dot com. Designizing the court circular and even celeb clips like Olympian Tom Daley's throne sitting tail, expect the full site ready by 2028, blending history, nature from Commonwealth plants and a living record of her legacy that keeps growing with contributions worldwide.