The Queen sadly passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8 at the age on 96, and since her passing, the world has come together to share their memories of her best moments in pop culture.
One of these special memories includes her endearing sketch during her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 with the UK's favourite fictional character, Paddington Bear.
After it was announced that the Queen had passed away, Paddington tweeted "Thank you Ma'am, for everything", which was a nod to the heartfelt sketch.
The tweet soon went viral, reaching over one million likes as many shared their condolences on the social media platform.
But how did the Queen's 'relationship' with the furry character begin and why did the Queen keep the Jubilee sketch a secret?
What is the history of Paddington Bear?
Paddington Bear was created by British children’s book author Michael Bond and the furry bear first appeared in the book, A Bear Called Paddington, in 1958.
However, it wasn't until 1986 when Paddington Bear visited Buckingham Palace during Bond's book, Paddington at the Palace, that his special friendship with the Queen began.
The fun-loving bear, who is from deepest, darkest Peru, crossed paths with the Queen in the book, but they do not actually meet during the story as the bear claims he spotted Her Majesty through the window of the palace.
Paddington has featured in more than twenty books written by the British author, and he has been illustrated by Peggy Fortnum and other artists.
When did Paddington meet the Queen for the first time?
Paddington visited Buckingham Palace for the second time in 2006 and this time, he met Her Majesty in 'real life'.
The marmalade-loving character featured in a pantomime called The Queen's Handbag which was performed during the Children’s Party at the Palace as part of the Queen’s 80th birthday celebrations.
The Queen and Paddington have also featured in an illustration together by British artist, Eleanor Tomlinson.
The drawing was released earlier this year and shows the pair walking hand-in-hand alongside one of Her Majesty's beloved corgis.
The Platinum Jubilee sketch was a 'surprise'
During the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, a sketch showing an afternoon tea between the pair featured during Party at the Palace.
In the somewhat chaotic lunch date, Paddington accidentally splattered a cream scone on a butler’s face, before revealing he had a marmalade sandwich stashed away under his famous red hat for safekeeping.
The Queen then pulled out her iconic black handbag to reveal that she had a marmalade sandwich of her own hidden away.
The sketch was followed by a performance of "We Will Rock You" by Queen and Adam Lambert, with the Queen and Paddington tapping along to the beat with their cutlery at the end of their heart-warming sketch.
The writer of the sketch, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, recently told The Observer : "When we asked the Queen to tea with Paddington, something magic happened – the most lovely goodbye."
"It used to be said that millions of people had dreams in which they had tea with the Queen. Even our dream life is going to have to change.
"Watching her have tea with Paddington will have to do instead. It’s easy to see why that was so powerful. In retrospect, it was valedictory. A woman waving a happy goodbye to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, an image of love and a happy death."
The clip was kept a secret from the public and even the Royal Family – including Her Majesty's great-grandchildren who are fans of the fictional bear.
The surprise was obvious when the TV cameras panned to the Royal Family, who were present at Party at the Palace, as they laughed and beamed in delight at the sketch.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte looked particularly entertained by their great-granny's performance.
Speaking about the clip at a street party during the Jubilee celebrations, Princess Beatrice said: "I’ve always wondered what was in her handbag and now we know. The secret is out, it’s a marmalade sandwich."
The playful sequence also showed Her Majesty's sense of humour once more.
The sketch took place 10 years on from her comedic scene with James Bond actor Daniel Craig at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony where she seemingly jumped out of a plane.
