The Queen in Hampshire for her Diamond Jubilee
Portsmouth has long held a strong and enduring relationship with the Crown, and her late Majesty visited the city on many historic occasions throughout her reign. These included the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977, welcoming home Falklands War troops in September 1982, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 2005, and the D‑Day 75 commemorations in 2019. The Queen also played a central role in the reopening of Portsmouth Guildhall in 1959 and marked the first operational deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth in May 2021.
The year 2026 represents a unique moment for the city. As well as being the centenary of Portsmouth’s city status, it would also have marked the Queen’s 100th birthday, offering a meaningful opportunity to reflect on her extraordinary life of service and her long‑standing relationship with Portsmouth.
Fundraising for the memorial begins today, Tuesday 21 April 2026, her late Majesty’s birthday, and exactly 100 years since Portsmouth officially became a city. Portsmouth City Council is contributing £10,000 to start the project.
The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Gerald Vernon‑Jackson CBE, said: “This day holds an additional meaning in our national memory, as 21 April marks the birthday of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her long life of service and dedication is woven deeply into the identity of this nation and Portsmouth. On this centenary of our city, we honour her legacy with both gratitude and affection.
“It is therefore my pleasure to share that the city is now working towards the creation of a lasting memorial to Her late Majesty, a place where residents and visitors alike may reflect on her extraordinary life of duty and her long relationship with our city. We look forward to sharing more details with you as this important work progresses.”
Residents, businesses and supporters are invited to contribute to the fundraising campaign and help create a lasting tribute that will be enjoyed by future generations.
To make a donation, visit: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/QEmemorialdonations/
