HER LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE THE PROJECTS KEEPING THE MONARCH'S MEMORY ALIVE

Being the longest-reigning legacy that may well live forever. And as the first anniversary of her death approaches, permanent memorials to the life and achievements of Elizabeth II are already making an impact across the country.

- LAURA BENJAMIN, TRACY SCHAVERIEN

But perhaps one of the most ambitious schemes commemorating her life is the Queen's Green Canopy project.

Launched in May 2021 as part of the celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee, the plan was to encourage people to plant more than one million new trees in honour of Her Majesty's 70 years as sovereign.

However, the scheme far exceeded that target, with more than three million trees being planted across the country, including one by the Princess of Wales in the Dean's Yard at Westminster Abbey last December.

HELPING THE PLANET

Sir David Attenborough, one of the project's celebrity ambassadors, said: "The Queen's Green Canopy has created an invaluable national legacy for our children, future generations and the planet itself.

"Its creation also marks the continuing conservation of this protected landscape and the wonderful wildlife within so that it can be enjoyed by many generations to come."

Elizabeth herself oversaw her son, then the Prince of Wales, planting a sapling in the grounds of Windsor Castle to start the event, which was due to finish last December, but was extended until the end of March after her death.

To mark the finish, the King and the Prince of Wales planted an acer in the gardens at Sandringham.