Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Danni King & Sophie Goodall

Queen's poor health led to huge change for Jubilee Paddington Bear sketch

Queen Elizabeth filmed her famous Platinum Jubilee Paddington Bear sketch at Windsor Castle instead of Buckingham Palace as she was 'frail'.

The late monarch, who passed away aged 96 on 8 September 2022, starred in a fun sketch alongside Paddington Bear to mark the start of her jubilee celebrations last year as she celebrated her historic 70-year reign.

According to OK!, the Queen and Paddington's comic sketch was believed to have been filmed at Buckingham Palace, but now actor Simon Farnaby – who appeared as a footman in the film – has revealed it actually took place at Windsor Castle, where Elizabeth II spent a lot of her time.

Queen Elizabeth II was too 'frail' to film the clip at Buckingham Palace (BBC)

The sketch showed Her Majesty sitting across the table from Paddington to enjoy some tea and treats, but it soon turned into chaos as the accident-prone fan-favourite character drank all the tea.

The character sprayed cream everywhere, including on Simon, who played the Palace footman, and also drank all of the tea. The bear then asked the Queen if she wanted a marmalade sandwich, before taking his red hat off to take the snack out.

However, in a fun moment, the monarch opened up her handbag to reveal her own stash of marmalade sandwiches.

The funny short was filmed to celebrate the Queen's jubilee last year (BBC)

The clip ended with the pair both tapping to the beat of We Will Rock You as Queen's song began at the concert. The fun sketch was shown at the Platinum Party at the Palace on June 4 2022.

It proved to be hugely popular among Royal fans and at the 2023 BAFTA TV Awards, the Queen and Paddington's project took home the Memorable Moment Award.

Actor Simon Farnaby, who played a footman in the video, went on stage to accept the gong and called the segment a "lovingly handcrafted moment".

The Queen opened her bag to reveal a stash of marmalade sandwiches (BBC)

He said it served as “a farewell” to the longest serving British monarch, before adding: “She had a very joyful Jubilee tea that day… The person who most deserves this award is no longer with us, we can only accept it on her behalf and say ‘Thank you, ma’am, for everything’.”

Ben Whishaw, who voiced the character in films Paddington and Paddington 2, also appeared on stage at the BAFTAs.

After the Queen’s death in September, mourners left teddy bears and marmalade sandwiches among the floral tributes which amassed outside royal residences.

Dozens of Paddington Bear toys were left as tributes to Her Majesty, which went on to be donated to charities.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.