Share Your Fond Memories of Queen Elizabeth II as We Commemorate the 4th Anniversary of Her Passing

Since its launch on 21 April this year, the Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, who have eagerly shared their personal memories of the late monarch. This initiative, spearheaded by the Cabinet Office, aims to create a comprehensive national tribute that combines rich archival material, photography, and video to chronicle significant events from Queen Elizabeth’s life and reign. Moreover, it encourages individuals from around the globe to contribute their memories, helping to forge a lasting public record.

Commemorative Content and Collaborative Efforts

In collaboration with prominent organisations such as Barnardos, the Scottish Women’s Institute, the National Gallery, and the London Ambulance Service, the digital memorial is set to unveil previously unseen archival photographs and personal accounts of Queen Elizabeth’s life as a means of honouring her legacy on the fourth anniversary of her passing.

The memorial’s website features a meticulously curated, searchable record of Queen Elizabeth’s public engagements and duties throughout her reign, spanning from 1952 to 2022. Visitors can explore the site to find specific dates to discover what the Queen was doing or check locations to see if she had visited them. Additionally, the platform consolidates collections from across the UK, including the Royal Collection and the BBC, showcasing a selection of rarely seen films that range from her wedding in 1947 to the Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.

Newly Released Archival Material

Today, the memorial has released a variety of new materials, including:

• A poignant memory from Sir Stephen Fry, reflecting on the collective grief shared by those present at a test match in Oval when news of the Queen’s passing was announced.
• Images and artefacts from the National Gallery related to Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1991 to inaugurate the Sainsbury Wing.
• Photographs of young children celebrating with a birthday cake sent by Princess Elizabeth to the Barnardo’s Girls Village Home in Barkingside in 1936.
• An audio recording featuring a member’s recollection from the Scottish Women’s Institutes on Royal Deeside, which has emerged from a two-year project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as the organisation prepares to celebrate its 110th anniversary in 2027.
• Images and items from the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, documenting Queen Elizabeth’s visit to their headquarters in 1975.

Personal Reflections from Public Figures

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has recently shared his cherished memories of the late Queen on the platform, alongside other notable public figures such as the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Olympic diver Tom Daley OBE, renowned artist Dame Tracey Emin, and Baroness Valerie Amos, all of whom have contributed their reflections.

The Queen Elizabeth Digital Memorial is now inviting the public to share their own memories of Queen Elizabeth—whether it’s performing for her in a choir, meeting her during a local event, or celebrating one of her jubilees with the community. Whatever the memory may be, the memorial encourages individuals to share their stories.

Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute your memories of Queen Elizabeth in this special centenary year. Share your experience today at www.queenelizabeth.com.

Additional Notes for Editors

Recent archival images that have been added include:

• Princess Elizabeth gifting cake to Barnardo’s Girls Village Home, 1936
• Opening of the Sainsbury Wing, The National Gallery, 1991
• Memories of a SWI member, 1953
• Visit to the London Ambulance Service, 1975