Viewers have praised the BBC for getting it 'spot on' as they screened Paddington 2 following the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Fans of the duffel coat-wearing cuddly character from Peru fell in love with the bear all over again when he made a starring appearance alongside the late monarch as part of a surprise appearance for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
The pair of them took part in an adorable two-minute comedy sketch aired as part of the celebrations to mark her 70 years of service on the throne. They raised laughs as they enjoyed marmalade sandwiches and tea together at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen’s animated friend was among the many who paid tribute to the sovereign after it was announced that she had passed away, aged 96, on Thursday September 8 at her beloved Balmoral home in Scotland. Today (Monday September 19) the nation said a sad farewell as their Queen was laid to rest with a majestic state funeral at Westminster Abbey followed by a committal service at St George's Chapel, Windsor.
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After an emotional day which saw dignitaries, royals and leaders from across the world gather in London with mourners lining the streets for her final journey, people watching at home applauded the decision to screen the sequel to the 2014 film Paddington, based on the adventures of the children's favourite character Paddington Bear created by Michael Bond, on BBC One.
Ahead of the screening a BBC announcer said: "On an historic day of coming together on something special to evoke joyous memories." @MarkSutton3110 tweeted: "The #BBC scheduling team got it spot on. #Paddington #QueenElizabethII #StateFuneral." and @ice_crystal observed: "I wish Michael Bond could have seen how Paddington has become almost royal now."
@tracytaylor66 praised: "Of course Paddington is on now. There couldn’t be a better choice of film could there?!" And @Susie_Sooz enthused: "Paddington 2 is a work of genius and I won’t hear otherwise!!"
@Jon_Sadler exclaimed: "Paddington 2. Best scheduling ever!" @jrocksy said: "Paddington 2 is a perfect and fitting ending to the day, good decision BBC, I think the Queen would approve." And @rachel_babbage said: "Paddington 2 is on BBC One and it’s warming my heart."
@jeffnewton1 messaged: "After an emotional day I'm now enjoying Paddington 2. 'If you're kind and polite the world will be alright.' I'll go with that" and @garyhayles85 commented: "Paddington 2 movie on after the Queens funeral. Nice touch BBC."
@ILuvJBMiley said: "Paddington being on BBC 1 is the perfect tribute to the Queen x" and @sarahehorne wrote: "Hats off to whoever @BBCOne suggested #Paddington for this evening. Great call."
Paddington sent out a tweet on his official Twitter account which tugged at the heartstrings of the nation following the sad news of the Queen's passing. “Thank you Ma’am, for everything,” he wrote. The tweet left a number of fans in tears and feeling “heartbroken."
In the moment that surprised the world at the Platinum Jubilee concert there was a cute moment as they both confessed to carrying around a marmalade sandwich. The Queen was unable to attend the Saturday night party but, in a sketch reminiscent of the James Bond surprise in 2012 when she played herself opposite Daniel Craig to 'parachute' into the Olympic Games, she revealed her sense of humour.
The clumsy bear showed Her Majesty what he hides underneath his hat - one of his beloved marmalade sandwiches. And the late Queen confided "so do I" as she opened her handbag and said: “I keep mine in here.”
The Peruvian bear congratulated the Queen saying: "Happy Jubilee Ma’am. And thank you for everything.” And she replied: “That’s very kind.”
The heart-warming sequence ended with both the Queen and Paddington using their spoon to tap out the beat of Queen’s We Will Rock You on their china cup. Meanwhile, outside on The Mall Her Majesty's Royal Marines Corps of Drums struck up with the song We Will Rock You on the main stage with rock legends Queen fronted by Adam Lambert.
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