King Charles has been dealt a blow as an outspoken critic has landed a spot on a royal memorial shortlist.
Five design teams have been shortlisted to create the national memorial for Queen Elizabeth II, including renowned architect Lord Norman Foster.
The competition, described as one of the most significant design initiatives in modern British history, will honour the UK's longest-serving monarch.
Foster, responsible for London's iconic Gherkin, was once highly critical of King Charles over architectural matters.
King Charles dealt blow as outspoken critic lands spot on royal memorial shortlist
Getty
His team for the memorial includes British artist Yinka Shonibare and ecologist Professor Nigel Dunnett, who created the Superbloom planting scheme for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
In 2009, Foster was among several architects who publicly criticised the then-Prince of Wales over his lobbying activities.
They accused Charles of using his "privileged position" to "skew the course" of planning for the former Chelsea Barracks redevelopment.
The prince had reportedly privately contacted developers Qatari Diar to recommend more classical plans by architect Quinlan Terry, rather than modernist designs.
Lord Norman Foster was previously critical of King Charles over architectural matters
PA
In 2023, Lord Foster told BBC Radio 4 he would "love the opportunity" to talk to the King about the "benefits of change" in architecture.
The memorial will be located in St James's Park, close to Buckingham Palace in the heart of London.
The site includes the area adjacent to The Mall at Marlborough Gate and land surrounding the pathway down to the lake, including the Blue Bridge.
The five teams must submit their designs later this spring, with the winner announced this summer.
Queen Elizabeth II pictured with Lord Norman Foster in 2000
PA
The final design will be formally unveiled in April 2026, coinciding with what would have been Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday year.
The project has a provisional construction budget of between £23million and £46million.
The shortlisted teams have been asked to create a master plan that celebrates Elizabeth II's "extraordinary life of service" and provides a space for pause and reflection.
An artist or sculptor with the key task of depicting a likeness of Elizabeth II will also be appointed by the lead designer in consultation with the committee.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
King Charles is known to have strong opinions on architecture
ReutersThe site was chosen for its proximity to the ceremonial route of The Mall, its historical and constitutional significance and personal connection to Queen Elizabeth.
The Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, headed by the late Queen's former private secretary Lord Janvrin, carried out the shortlisting process.
King Charles has not been involved in selecting the finalists.
The process is said to have attracted a wide range of "excellent creative talent" from across the UK and internationally.
The final design will be submitted to the King and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for approval.
The memorial will provide the public with a permanent tribute to the country's longest-reigning monarch.
