The Queen had tea and marmalade sandwiches with Paddington Bear in a surprise comedy sketch at her Platinum Jubilee concert
Paddington #Paddington
The crowd watching a film of Queen Elizabeth II having tea with Paddington Bear on a big screen during the Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace.Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images
The Queen had tea with Paddington Bear in a comedy sketch shown at the Platinum Party at the Palace.
The monarch’s appearance with the CGI bear at Saturday’s event had been pre-recorded.
The Queen canceled appearances during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations due to mobility issues.
Queen Elizabeth II didn’t attend the Platinum Party at the Palace on Saturday in person, but she made a pre-recorded appearance opposite Paddington Bear that was broadcast to attendees before the concert.
According to a short video shared by The Royal Family’s official YouTube account, the 96-year-old monarch was seen having afternoon tea with Paddington Bear to kick off the show, being held as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking her 70-year reign. The CGI bear is voiced by Ben Whishaw.
In the one-minute sketch that was broadcast at the concert in front of Buckingham Palace, the Queen is offered a marmalade sandwich by the bear, who famously wears a blue coat and red hat. When Paddington notes that he always keeps a sandwich for “emergencies,” the Queen responds: So do I, I keep mine in here for later,” before pulling a sandwich from her black purse.
The bear then wishes the Queen a “Happy Jubilee ma’am” and says: “Thank you for everything,” to which she responds: “That’s very kind.”
The humorous scene was reminiscent of the Queen’s 2012 Olympics sketch with Daniel Craig as secret agent James Bond, which saw her jump out of a helicopter.
According to The Guardian, the Queen and Paddington played the beat to Queen’s “We Will Rock You” on their teacups with spoons, which transitioned into a live performance by the rock band. The publication added that Brian May played a guitar solo in front of a statue of Queen Victoria and subsequent performances included Diana Ross and Rod Stewart.
The Queen, who did not attend the event in person, has been experiencing recent mobility problems and pulled out of Friday’s thanksgiving service due to “discomfort.” She also canceled her appearance at the Epsom Derby earlier on Saturday, Insider previously reported.
Story continues
Prince Charles used the Party at the Palace to pay tribute to his mother in a heartfelt speech in front of a live crowd of 22,000 people, Sky News reported. Concluding the Buckingham Palace gig, the Prince of Wales said his mother has been “with us in our difficult times.”
“You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us, for these 70 years,” he said, adding: “You pledged to serve your whole life — you continue to deliver. You continue to make history.”
Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
Read the original article on Insider