In a poignant tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, the iconic scene from her Platinum Jubilee has been meticulously recreated using toys to celebrate the launch of a special edition Steiff bear. This launch marks what would have been Her Majesty's 100th birthday on April 21, 2026, evoking memories of her beloved 2022 comedy sketch with Paddington Bear.
A Nostalgic Recreation at Newby Hall
The event took place at Newby Hall, where a soft toy Paddington was positioned having tea with the exclusive Queen Elizabeth II Steiff teddy bear. The bear is dressed in one of the late Queen's most recognisable outfits: a lime green coat with a matching hat, complemented by a pearl necklace and handbag. This setup closely mirrors the original digital animation that charmed millions during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Commemorating a Cherished Moment
Ian Munro, Steiff's director of international sales, explained the significance to the Press Association. "We're here today at the fantastic Tapestry Room at Newby Hall, celebrating that 100 years ago, on April 21, 1926, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was born," he said. Munro emphasised the Queen's legacy of dedication, pride, and service, noting her special place in public hearts. He added that Steiff, alongside key partner Galerista, aimed to honour this milestone with a superb collectible, limited-edition teddy bear.
The bears are limited to just 4,996 units, a subtle nod to the late Queen's age of 96 at her passing. Each bear is priced at £289 and will be individually numbered, presented in a souvenir bag with coloured embroidery on the soles of its feet to commemorate the centenary. Munro described the original Paddington meeting as "one of the most cherished moments" and "one of the greatest secrets," highlighting its emotional resonance.
Public Tributes and Historical Context
Following Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022, mourners left Paddington cuddly toys and marmalade sandwiches outside Buckingham Palace as a heartfelt tribute, underscoring the sketch's impact. The sketch itself featured the Queen revealing she kept marmalade sandwiches in her handbag, a favourite treat of Paddington's, adding a touch of humour and warmth to the Jubilee festivities.
Steiff, founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff in Giengen, Germany, claims to have invented the first teddy bear. The company has a history of creating bears for significant occasions, such as the millennium and the sinking of the Titanic, making this launch part of a longstanding tradition of commemorative collectibles.
