A special limited edition teddy bear has been crafted to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating what would have been her 100th birthday on April 21. The royal family is set to lead tributes around this date with a series of events reflecting on her remarkable life and enduring legacy.
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Royal Details
The Queen Elizabeth II Bear, created by the renowned teddy maker Steiff, is crafted from the finest mohair and showcases the intricate details the company has become famous for over its 150-year history. This commemorative piece features a tiny jewelled brooch, a beautifully adorned hat, and Steiff's signature ear tag with a brass button, making it a true collector's item.
Limited Availability and Symbolic Pricing
Retailing at £289, the bear is available worldwide with only 4,996 units produced in total. This number is a subtle nod to the Queen, who lived to be 96 years old. Each bear is individually numbered and presented in a high-quality souvenir bag accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, ensuring its value as a commemorative keepsake.
Iconic Outfit and Movable Design
The bear is dressed in one of Queen Elizabeth II's most iconic outfits: a striking lime green coat with a matching hat, which she wore during one of her final official engagements. The ensemble is completed with classic accessories including a characteristic pearl necklace, a sparkling crystal brooch, and the unmistakable handbag she was known for.
Additionally, the teddy bear is 5-way jointed and fully movable, allowing for dynamic display. Fine, coloured embroidery on the soles of its feet commemorates Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday, adding a personal touch to this tribute.
Royal Family Tributes and Commemorations
The royal family will lead the commemorations next week, with King Charles delivering a recorded address to the nation and the Commonwealth to celebrate his mother's life and legacy. King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with other members of the royal family, will welcome dozens of representatives from charities and organisations with connections to Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in her memory.
Additional Commemorative Items
In addition to the teddy bear, the late Queen has been honoured with a set of 12 stamps marking the centenary of her birth. Royal Mail unveiled images of the main set of eight stamps ahead of the anniversary on April 21, featuring photographs from throughout her life, from early childhood to late in her reign.
A further four stamps presented in a miniature sheet reflect her lifelong love of horses and dogs, highlighting personal aspects of her character beyond her royal duties.
Upcoming Royal Engagements
Following the commemorations next week, King Charles and Queen Camilla will prepare to travel to the United States for a controversial State Visit, hosted by President Donald Trump. This visit comes against the backdrop of his war in the Middle East with Iran and at a crucial time in the strained so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the US, adding a layer of diplomatic significance to the royal schedule.
