New generations of Britons will be enriched through the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II as community spaces across the country are regenerated in her memory. The late Queen’s life will be celebrated through the Queen Elizabeth Trust which will have the goal of strengthening communities across the United Kingdom. The King will serve as Royal Patron of this new charity will be unveiled on Tuesday, the 100th anniversary of his mother’s birth.
This is one of three memorial pro jects. There will also be a national memorial in St James’s Park and a digital memorial to honour her achievements. The charity is supported with a a one-off endowment of £40million in public funding. It is hoped this will be support local projects and act as a “catalyst” for future fundraising. This new venture is inspired the Queen’s belief, rooted in her faith, that “everyone is our neighbour”.
It is likely that initial projects which include the transformation of green spaces and underused buildings and community hubs. Local people will be helped to get skills and training to put on events.
This follows in the tradition of other “living memorials”, including the King George V Playing Fields, which protect public open spaces and recreational grounds.
Sir Damon Buffini, who chairs the Queen Elizabeth Trust, said: “I’m honoured and excited to have been chosen as the founding chair of the Queen Elizabeth Trust to help guide its direction from the start. This is a real chance to support communities across the United Kingdom and bring shared spaces back to life; places where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet, connect, and belong.”
He added: “I’ve seen first-hand the difference these spaces can make, creating opportunities, sparking connections, and giving people a sense of pride in where they live. At a time when so many feel disconnected, this work feels more important than ever.
“As an organisation, we’re ambitious about what we can achieve, and our goal is to significantly increase our impact by attracting support from others. I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves, listening and learning from communities, and seeing what we can make happen.”
Lord Janvrin, who chairs the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, said: “I hope this new charity will encourage people to remember the life and service of the late Queen by recognising the importance she attached to strengthening that sense of engagement and belonging amongst local communities.”