UK Councils Review Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Proposals

Plans to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II are advancing through public consultations and planning reviews across the United Kingdom, with Scottish officials seeking views on a national memorial and Northern Irish authorities delaying a proposed statue in Bangor. The processes aim to incorporate community feedback and planning requirements before permanent memorials or public-space name changes receive approval.

According to the source report published by cristinaiglesias.com on October 20, 2026, the proposals involve the Scottish Government, Ards and North Down Borough Council, and the UK Cabinet Office. Their current procedures range from an eight-week national consultation to site-specific reviews of proposed commemorative names.

The Scottish Government has opened an online engagement portal to collect public submissions on the purpose, design, and location of a national memorial. The consultation is scheduled to close on December 13, following an eight-week period.

Dr Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon King of Arms and Chair of the Scotland Legacy Group, confirmed that the online portal provides a central channel for public contributions. The initiative also targets young people, educational institutions, and cultural organizations, with community engagement sessions planned over the coming months.

Scotland's Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said the memorial should reflect the experiences of the country's residents and remain meaningful to future generations.

“Queen Elizabeth held a special place in the hearts of many people across Scotland. Her passing in 2022 prompted an outpouring of affection and respect… This memorial should reflect the memories, values and experiences of the people of Scotland, while creating something lasting that future generations can enjoy, use and take pride in.”

The consultation will help assess public preferences for architectural landmarks, landscaped memorial sites, or community-focused projects. The final form and location of the national tribute remain subject to the engagement process.

In Northern Ireland, the Corporate Services Committee of Ards and North Down Borough Council has deferred progress on a proposed permanent bronze statue of the late Queen at Marine Gardens in Bangor. The sculpture was intended to form part of the wider Queen’s Parade Development.

According to the source report, council officials want construction to be completed and the entire public space handed back to the council before moving forward with the installation. The delay will allow officials to assess how residents use the redeveloped grounds and determine an appropriate location for the artwork.

Separate proposals to rename public spaces in the borough are also undergoing procedural reviews. The council had considered naming Portavogie War Memorial Green as Queen Elizabeth Square and renaming Marine Gardens as The Queen Elizabeth II Marine Gardens.

For Portavogie, an initial council screening identified potential adverse effects involving religious belief, political opinion, and good relations. The UK Cabinet Office advised the council to revisit the proposal after conducting a targeted consultation by sending letters to local residents.

The Bangor naming proposal received different guidance. According to the source report, officials determined that a full Equality Impact Assessment was unnecessary because the surrounding area already contains royal-associated street names and Bangor received city status from the late Queen. A proportionate community consultation will nevertheless take place before a final decision.

The UK Cabinet Office Royal Names Team also clarified the distinction between official civic naming decisions and privately initiated commemorative artwork. Individuals and organizations may erect unofficial statues or portraits under standard planning permissions, provided the projects have no commercial element.

The current status of the proposals therefore varies by location: Scotland's national memorial remains in the public consultation stage, Bangor's statue awaits completion and handover of the redeveloped site, and the Portavogie naming proposal requires targeted community feedback before further consideration.