The decision to create a national memorial for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was announced by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, during his 2005 Budget speech.

The intention was to commemorate the life of a well known and popular public figure, and add an attractive, durable feature to the public space of central London.

Designers, architects and artists from throughout the UK, Commonwealth and the world were invited to submit their expressions of interest for this memorial at the start of 2006. Submissions were shortlisted, with selected entrants being asked to provide detailed designs.

The selection of the winning design was made by a selection committee chaired by The Prince of Wales, grandson of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Royal Household worked in partnership to ensure that the project was well managed at every stage and did not exceed its budget.

A special £5 coin produced by the Royal Mint to celebrate The Queen's 80th birthday was sold to raise funds for the national memorial to The Queen Mother.