V&A Dundee Launches Memorial for Queen Elizabeth II With University

Plans for a permanent national memorial in Scotland for the late Queen Elizabeth II are advancing, as a newly formed panel of cultural and historical experts begins work on proposals intended to commemorate the late monarch’s life and legacy. 

The initiative, led by the Scottish Government-appointed Scotland Legacy Group, brings together prominent figures from across the arts, heritage, and academic sectors.

The group is chaired by Dr Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon King of Arms and a former Dundee councillor, and includes Leonie Bell, director of V&A Dundee, and Professor of Modern History, Chandrika Kaul of the University of St Andrews. As stated by The Herald, the panel also comprises Dr Anna Kaey, Anne Lyden, Lt Col (retired) Johnny Stewart, and Helen Webster.

The formation of the group comes three years after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. Its primary role is to develop recommendations for the Scottish memorial, which will be presented to the First Minister and King Charles III. 

Dr Morrow described his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, “I am honoured to have the opportunity to develop and advise on a Scottish memorial to Queen Elizabeth to celebrate her extraordinary reign and dedicated life of public service,” he said in The Courier. He added that he is “determined to create the space for a truly Scottish memorial and delighted to be working alongside such a talented group of individuals.”

Central to the group’s approach will be public engagement. Dr Morrow emphasised that the process would involve consultation with communities across Scotland. As quoted in The Courier, he explained: “The group will engage with communities across the country to allow us to envisage a Scottish memorial and a lasting symbol of remembrance and gratitude for the Late Queen.”

The UK Government has confirmed it will provide funding for the Scottish memorial, alongside similar projects planned in Wales and Northern Ireland. A broader UK-wide legacy programme is also expected to be announced by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee.

Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson discussed the significance of the memorial project, stating in The Herald that “Queen Elizabeth meant so much to so many people in Scotland, and it is right that we pay tribute to her remarkable 70-year reign and life of public service.” He also noted that public mourning following her death emphasised this connection, adding that “the scenes as Her Majesty’s cortege made the journey from Balmoral Castle [...] to the Palace of Holyroodhouse demonstrated how much she was loved in the country.”

Robertson also expressed appreciation for the group’s work, stating in The Courier that he was “very grateful” for their efforts to deliver “a fitting tribute from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.”

Photo by Wikimedia Commons