Paddington pays tribute to the Queen after she dies aged 96

Paddington Bear has paid tribute to the Queen following her death on Thursday (8 September) after spending more than 70 years on the throne.

A tweet shared by the fictional bear on Thursday evening sweetly read: “Thank you Ma’am, for everything.”

The Queen’s passing was confirmed by the Royal Family, who issued a statement on Twitter that read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

When the Queen celebrated her platinum jubilee in June, she teamed up with the lovable bear - created by the late British author Michael Bond - for a hilarious skit that stole the nation’s heart. 

The sketch saw Her Majesty and Paddington share a marmalade sandwich while sitting together at a table in Buckingham Palace.

Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw, joined the monarch for a spot of tea before her Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off, and Paddington could be heard asking: “Perhaps you would like a marmalade sandwich? I always keep one for emergencies.” 

He then retrieved a sarnie from inside his iconic red hat and showed it to the Queen, who replied with a smile: “So do I – I keep mine in here.” 

The Queen then pulled her own marmalade sandwich from her handbag, adding: “For later.” 

As the pair is told that the party is about to start, Paddington tipped his cap to the monarch and said: “Happy Jubilee, and thank you for everything.” 

The royal family announced on Thursday that the Queen had died aged 96 in a Twitter statement, and soon after, Buckingham Palace confirmed the news, writing: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and return to London tomorrow.”

It was dated ‘Thursday, 8th September 2022’.

King Charles also shared a heartbreaking statement: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all my family members.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677