New Charity to Commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Centenary
A new charity is being created to honour the life of Queen Elizabeth II during the week marking the 100th anniversary of her birth.
The government is providing a one-time payment of £40 million to establish the Queen Elizabeth Trust, which will have King Charles III as its patron.
The charity will focus on restoring communal spaces within communities, reflecting the late Queen's dedication to public service inspired by her belief that "everyone is our neighbour" — a phrase she often expressed throughout her life.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022 at the age of 96 and would have celebrated her 100th birthday on 21 April.
"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," said businessman Sir Damon Buffini, who will chair the Queen Elizabeth Trust.
The charity aims to develop and transform underused buildings and green spaces, as well as ensure communities have the skills and training necessary to organise local events.
There is a longstanding tradition of commemorating the late monarch through living memorials that impact the daily lives of British citizens.
For example, following the death of the late Queen's grandfather in 1936, the King George V Playing Fields project was established to protect recreational grounds across the country.
The new trust is one of three memorial initiatives created to honour the Queen's life of public service.
Birthday Celebrations and New Biography
Tuesday, 21 April, would have marked Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday.
Several events are planned for the Royal Family to remember her, including a global digital memorial allowing people worldwide to share personal memories of Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit the British Museum to review plans for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial in St James's Park, London, designed by architect Sir Norman Foster.
Later that day, they will host a reception at Buckingham Palace where guests will receive birthday cards from the King.
The Princess Royal will pay tribute to her mother by officially opening the Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent's Park, London.
Buckingham Palace has also announced that award-winning historian Dr Anna Keay will author the late monarch's official authorised biography.
"I am deeply grateful to His Majesty The King for entrusting me with this responsibility and for granting me access to her papers," Dr Keay said.
"I will do all I can to do justice to her life and work."
In addition to access to the Queen's personal and official papers held in the Royal Archives, Dr Keay will interview those who knew the late Queen best during her life, including members of the Royal Family.
The documentary Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century will air on Sunday at 21:00 BST on BBC One and .
