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Plans for Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II to Be Unveiled in 2026 to Mark Her 100th Birthday

In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looks up and waves to members of staff of The Foreign and Commonwealth Office as she ends an official visit which is part of her Jubilee celebrations in London. (AP)
In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looks up and waves to members of staff of The Foreign and Commonwealth Office as she ends an official visit which is part of her Jubilee celebrations in London. (AP)
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Plans for Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II to Be Unveiled in 2026 to Mark Her 100th Birthday

In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looks up and waves to members of staff of The Foreign and Commonwealth Office as she ends an official visit which is part of her Jubilee celebrations in London. (AP)
In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looks up and waves to members of staff of The Foreign and Commonwealth Office as she ends an official visit which is part of her Jubilee celebrations in London. (AP)

An independent body will unveil plans for a permanent memorial to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in 2026, to mark what would have been the late monarch's 100th birthday, the government said Sunday.

The Cabinet Office said Robin Janvrin, Elizabeth's former private secretary, has been appointed as chairman of the Queen Elizabeth memorial committee to consider proposals for a “fitting tribute” to Britain's longest-reigning monarch following her death in September 2022.

The queen died in Balmoral, her beloved Scottish castle estate, at 96 years old after 70 years on the throne.

Janvrin and other officials on the committee will consider Elizabeth's life of public service and the causes she supported, and recommend plans for a national legacy program in the late queen's honor.

“It will be a unique challenge to try to capture for future generations Her Late Majesty’s extraordinary contribution to our national life throughout her very long reign,” said Janvrin, who worked at Buckingham Palace in various roles from 1987 to 2007.

The recommendations will be presented to Elizabeth's heir King Charles III and the prime minister.

In 1955 Elizabeth unveiled a statue of her father, George VI, on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace.

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Rare Islamic Treasures Goes on Display at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

A historical mobile stairway that once provided access to the elevated door of the Holy Kaaba - SPA
A historical mobile stairway that once provided access to the elevated door of the Holy Kaaba - SPA
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Rare Islamic Treasures Goes on Display at Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

A historical mobile stairway that once provided access to the elevated door of the Holy Kaaba - SPA
A historical mobile stairway that once provided access to the elevated door of the Holy Kaaba - SPA

The AlBidayah zone (The Beginning) at the Islamic Arts Biennale, themed "And all that is in Between," is held until May 25 at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, featuring rare Islamic artifacts and treasures that highlight sacred sites in Islam rarely seen outside Makkah and Madinah.
A notable piece in the collection is a historical mobile stairway that once provided access to the elevated door of the Holy Kaaba, SPA reported.

This staircase, about 5 meters in length and 4 meters in height, is adorned with intricate Baroque-inspired decorations.

Reflecting the grandeur of Islamic history and ancient architectural arts, it was presented to the Holy Kaaba in the 1820s AD by the ruler of the Carnatic Sultanate in South India.
Used primarily by men when the Kaaba's door was open, this stairway played a significant role in facilitating access to the Holy Kaaba. Another silver stairway, gifted by the ruler of Rampur in India between 1865-1887 AD, was reserved for women.
The Islamic Arts Biennale provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore these artifacts, delving into their cultural significance and the enduring connection between historical rulers and Makkah. It highlights the tradition of gifting valuable artifacts to the Holy Kaaba as a sign of respect and reverence for its importance in the Muslim community.