The mystery of what the Queen carries in her handbag has been finally revealed, as she showed a secret marmalade sandwich to Paddington Bear to kick off the Platinum Jubilee rock concert.
Her Majesty welcomed the British-adopted bear to Buckingham Palace for a tea party before Queen + Adam Lambert got the nation stomping and clapping.
The 96-year-old monarch surprised viewers this evening by sharing a cream tea at Buckingham Palace as tens of thousands of people outside her home watched on big screens alongside millions tuning in live across the world.
It comes after the Queen spent the day at home watching the Epsom Derby while her family attended the event.
The hilarious two-and-half minute sketch, kept secret for months by palace aides, saw a computer-generated Paddington delighted to learn that the Queen shares his love of marmalade sandwiches.
As Her Majesty opened her iconic handbag she revealed her very own ready-made supply of Paddington’s bread and orange preserve staple inside.
As the beloved bear shows the Queen what he hides underneath his hat, The Queen confirms “So do I,” before prising open her bag and remarking “I keep mine in here.”
Senior palace sources revealed the Queen jumped at the chance to get involved in the skit and was so intent on her performance not leaking that she didn’t tell members of her own family.
The age-old question of what the head of state, who famously doesn’t carry money or bank cards, keeps in her handbag has puzzled royal watchers for decades.
Many have speculated but no one has ever said with certainty, with suggestions ranging from mint lozenges, a fountain pen, a metal make-up case reportedly gifted by her late beloved husband Prince Philip, and good luck charms including miniature dogs and horses, and a handful of family photographs.
Paddington also causes chaos by accidentally depriving the very forgiving Monarch of another cup of tea and spraying cream from a Chocolate Éclair over a Palace Footman.
The short film sees the Peruvian-born Bear congratulate the Queen on her remarkable reign, with Paddington exclaiming: “Happy Jubilee Ma’am. And thank you. For everything.”
Her Majesty, as self-deprecating and modest as ever, simply replies “That’s very kind.”
The sequence ended with both the Queen and Paddington using a spoon to tap out the beat of Queen’s We Will Rock You anthem on a China teacup as the band themselves and The Corps of Drums from the Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines start the song on the main stage outside, with thousands of people around Buckingham Palace, The Mall and the Royal Parks joining in unison.
The comedy sketch drew memories of the Queen starring with James Bond actor Daniel Craig during the 2012 London Summer Olympics opening ceremony, which saw "the Queen" jump out of a helicopter and parachute into the Olympic stadium.
The iconic moment took such immense planning that even the Queen’s own family were once again kept in the dark until it aired on television.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: “Her Majesty is well known for her sense of humour, so it should be no surprise that she decided to take part in tonight’s sketch.
“There was an interest in the filming and animation process and the opportunity to invite a famous bear to tea was just too much fun to miss.
“While The Queen may not be attending the concert in person, she was very keen that people understood how much it meant to her and that all those watching had a great time.”
Mark Sidaway, Executive Producer for the BBC ’s Platinum Party at the Palace at BBC Studios Productions said: “We were thrilled and honoured when we learned Her Majesty had agreed to run with this touching yet joyful idea the team had come up with - although it was slightly nerve-wracking ensuring it all blended seamlessly with the live performance from Queen + Adam Lambert.”
Rosie Alison, from Heyday Films remarked: “Filming Her Majesty’s tea party with Paddington Bear was such an emotional day for the entire crew.
“All of us were in awe of the Queen’s warmth and radiant aura as she patiently engaged with a polite, clumsy but very well-intentioned bear.
“Of course, she shone, and put Paddington (and all of us) at ease.
“Capturing this lovely encounter was an absolute joy and unique privilege for the whole team.
“In Paddington’s words, ‘Happy Jubilee Ma’am. And thank you. For everything’.”
