Queen Camilla welcomed Paddington Bear to Windsor Castle on Wednesday for a reception celebrating the final of the BBC's 500 Words creative writing competition. The beloved bear, wearing his signature blue coat and red hat, attended alongside Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker, Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page, and TV presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh.
The meeting took place in the Grand Reception Room, where Camilla bent down to speak to Paddington. She said: 'Thank you very much for coming all the way from Peru, it’s very kind of you. And you’re going to give all your marmalade sandwiches to all these children, and perhaps I can have one too, thank you very much.'
Paddington Bear has a special connection to the Royal Family, having famously had tea with the late Queen Elizabeth II during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The sketch, which involved marmalade sandwiches, delighted the nation.
During the 500 Words recording, set to air on March 6, Paddington performed a rendition of The Explorer and The Bear from Paddington The Musical. The grand final will be broadcast on BBC One's The One Show on Friday 6 March 2026, and on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March.
