Queen Elizabeth and Paddington Bear.Photo: Buckingham Palace/Studio Canal/BBC Studios/Heyday Films via Getty
Even 70 years into her reign,Queen Elizabethstill has a few surprises up her sleeve.
Although the Queen, 96, didn’t attend the Platinum Party at the Palace on Saturday night, she did open up the event with a fun pre-recorded sketch featuring another British icon: Paddington Bear. Thehilarious skitfeatured the monarch hosting the beloved character for tea…and revealing what she keeps in her trusty handbag — a marmalade sandwich!
Buckingham Palace isn’t commenting on the clip as they don’t “want to de-mystify it,” one royal source says, “and take away the magic.”
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The surprise was kept top secret — so much so that even members of the royal family had no idea about it until they were watching it open up Saturday’s star-studded concert.Prince GeorgeandPrincess Charlottewere clearly amazed, smiling and gasping as they watched their great-grandmother’s interactions with Paddington onscreen. (Prince Charles, however, may have been clued in — his speech on Saturday did reference a marmalade sandwich.)
A palace spokesman said: “Her Majesty is well known for her sense of humor, so it should be no surprise that she decided to take part in tonight’s sketch. There was an interest in the filming and animation process and the opportunity to invite a famous bear to tea was just too much fun to miss.”
The skit was reminiscent of when the Queen appeared alongsideDaniel Craigas James Bond in a video that aired at the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics in London.
“She has surprised us with the Paddington Bear sequence like the Bond one,” says a close insider. “It’s always her, ‘let’s take a chance’ and surprise us. And show a wonderful witty side of herself. It was truly remarkable.”
This isn’t the first time Paddington Bear has met with royalty. In 2017, a costumed character danced withKate Middletonas she appeared at the bear’s namesake train station in London alongsidePrince WilliamandPrince Harry.
Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William.Chris Jackson/Getty
At the end of the skit, an equerry looked out the Buckingham Palace windows and told the Queen that the party is about to begin.
“Happy Jubilee, Ma’am,” Paddington said. “And thank you…for everything.”
The Queen replied, “That’s very kind.”
From there, Queen + Adam Lambert opened up the concert, starring a number of recognizable performers leading up to a finale featuring Diana Ross.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.Alberto Pezzali/AP/Shutterstock
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On Sunday, the Platinum Jubilee weekend ended withQueen Elizabethappearing on the Buckingham Palace balconywith her heirs and their families.
“When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first,” she later said in astatement. “But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.”
source: people.com
