BBC to air Paddington on evening of Queen's funeral in nod to much loved Jubilee sketch

Paddington has been handed a special place in the BBC TV schedule for the day of the Queen's funeral, in a clear nod to the public's great affection for the sketch involving Her Majesty and the fictional bear for her Platinum Jubilee.

The eyes of the nation were on BBC One on a Saturday night in early June as a few lucky thousand ticket holders gathered outside Buckingham Palace to witness the Platinum Party at the Palace concert, featuring performances from the likes of George Ezra, Queen and Adam Lambert and Diana Ross. But what the crowd and viewers at home weren't banking on was a short film of the Queen and Paddington bear enjoying a spot of tea.

The unlikely friends were captured inside the Palace as Paddington caused near chaos with a wayward teapot, before being left in shock as Queen Elizabeth pulled a marmalade sandwich from her handbag, which she now famously declared was "for later." Things got even more amusing when, after Paddington gave thanks to the Queen's long service, the pair tapped out the intro to Queen anthem We Will Rock You on their china cups.

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The sketch was well received by everyone who watched it and, picking up on the country's fondness for the moment, the BBC has confirmed that movie Paddington II will air on BBC One on Monday, after the BBC's extensive coverage of the Queen's funeral. The live broadcast will run for nine hours, to include the build up to the funeral, the service itself and the Queen's journey to Windsor for her burial.

Queen has tea with Paddington Bear at Buckingham Palace at the star of the Jubilee concert. (BBC)

Paddington II will then air at 6.50pm, with the 2017 film on until 8.30pm. The news that Paddington II will air on Monday comes as it was announced that the first Paddington film will replace Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, after the new series launch show was postponed.

Since the Queen's death, a number of Paddington tributes have been left at Buckingham Palace in honour of Her Majesty, including a marmalade sandwich, enclosed in a bag with the a note reading 'For Later.'

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