Queen Camilla shared a delightful encounter with Paddington Bear, the beloved fictional character, during a star-studded reception at Windsor Castle. The event celebrated the final of the BBC 500 Words national writing competition, which this year attracted over 46,000 entries from children across the United Kingdom.
A Royal Meeting with a Furry Friend
Dressed in his iconic blue duffle coat and red hat, Paddington Bear—brought to life for the West End production of Paddington The Musical—greeted the Queen with a handshake. Camilla warmly thanked him for attending, saying, "Hello Paddington – how very nice to meet you, thank you very much for coming." She then humorously requested one of his famous marmalade sandwiches, to which the bear responded with an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Marmalade Sandwiches and Royal Tributes
Following the ceremony, guests were offered marmalade sandwiches served on plates beneath red hats, echoing Paddington's signature treat. This moment evoked memories of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who famously appeared in a comedy sketch with a digitally animated Paddington Bear for her Platinum Jubilee, revealing she kept marmalade sandwiches in her handbag. After her death in 2022, mourners left Paddington toys and marmalade sandwiches outside Buckingham Palace as a heartfelt tribute.
Celebrating Literacy and Creativity
The reception highlighted the BBC 500 Words competition, which Camilla has supported for over a decade. She presented medals to young finalists, with winners set to be announced on a special episode of BBC's The One Show on 6 March. Bradley Walsh praised the Queen's involvement, calling it "a wonderful thing," while his son Barney noted, "The creativity of the children is unbelievable."
Star-Studded Attendees and Support
The event featured a host of celebrities, including actress Joanna Page, Peep Show actor Paterson Joseph, rapper Big Zuu, TV presenters Bradley and Barney Walsh, and Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker. DJ Sara Cox, who will host a BBC 500 Words special on her Radio 2 Book Club, also attended. Paterson Joseph thanked Camilla for "all you are doing for literacy," highlighting concerns about a drop in literacy rates since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Judges and Personal Interactions
Camilla met with competition judges, including Sir Lenny Henry, writer Malorie Blackman, and actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, with whom she had previously discussed shortlisted stories at Buckingham Palace. In a light-hearted exchange, the Queen asked Big Zuu if he was still cooking, to which he replied, "I will cook for you soon, one day."
This charming event underscored the enduring appeal of Paddington Bear and the royal family's commitment to promoting literacy and creativity among children, blending whimsy with meaningful advocacy in a memorable Windsor Castle setting.
