The marmalade-loving Paddington Bear has been in this world for more than 60 years. Created by Michael Bond in 1958, he first appeared in the children’s book ‘A Bear Called Paddington’. This fictional character from then has become part of more than 50 children’s books, two movies, and many other videos.
Paddington is a polite and respectful bear. The widely loved character, in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, had become a symbol of national mourning. There is a connection between the fictional bear and the longest-reigning monarch of England. Here’s more about the origin of Paddington and how he is associated with Queen Elizabeth.
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History Of Paddington Bear
Michael Bond wrote his character based on his memories of the Second World War. Seeing child evacuees from London in the refugee home opened by his parents helped him shape his lead character. “We took in some Jewish children who often sat in front of the fire every evening, quietly crying because they had no idea what had happened to their parents, and neither did we at the time. It’s the reason why Paddington arrived with the label around his neck,” Paddington’s creator wrote in a letter to the film producer Rosie Alison. This was revealed in BBC Two’s ‘Paddington: The Man Behind the Bear‘.
Paddington’s story starts in Peru, where he was living with Aunt Lucy, after being orphaned in an earthquake. But then Aunt Lucy moved to Home for Retired Bears in Lima. Thus she decided to send Paddington off to London. After teaching him perfect English, the bear was stowed away in a ship’s lifeboat. Finally, the bear in a duffle coat and red hat arrived at Paddington station in London. He came with a label around his neck “Please Look After This Bear. Thank You.”
Unable to resist the cute bear, it was the Browns who took him home. And he was named after the station, he was found in, Paddington. From there started the adventures of Paddington Bear.
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Paddington Bear And Queen Elizabeth II
It was in 1986 that Michael Bond wrote ‘Paddington At The Palace’. Here Paddington goes to Buckingham Palace but doesn’t meet the Queen. Instead, he sees the Queen’s Guard and waves the Union Jack flag. He also spots the Queen through a window. In 2006, Paddington visits the palace a second time for a pantomime in connection to a children’s party for Queen’s 80th birthday celebration. The pantomime was called ‘The Queen’s Handbag’.
Finally, for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, the Queen herself appeared in a comedy sketch in a televised Jubilee concert. The Queen and Paddington shared afternoon tea, along with marmalade sandwiches and some fun conversations and chaos from the bear. In addition, to this, there is also an image of the Queen along with Paddington and one of her Corgis. The trio was seen walking through the streets after the Jubilee street party. Eventually, this image by Eleanor Tomlinson became a tribute to the Queen after her passing.
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