Queen Elizabeth's surprising seven-word response to iconic Paddington Bear sketch
The late Queen invited film crews into Buckingham Palace as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
The late Queen was said to have been delighted to have played a role in the now-iconic Paddington Bear sketch as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Millions of people across the globe were surprised to see Queen Elizabeth share an afternoon tea with the much-loved children’s book character on TV screens, including the youngest members of the family who had no idea what their great-grandmother had been up to.
In the sketch, which was released in 2022 to celebrate her 70 years on the throne, the late Queen and Paddington Bear were filmed enjoying an afternoon tea in Buckingham Palace.
Paddington, voiced by actor Ben Wishaw, asked the then-monarch whether she would like a marmalade sandwich, to which she responded by pulling her very own sandwich out of her handbag.
She then said in the sketch that she always carries one in her bag for when she needs it.
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The sketch was met with delight from millions across the globe, and was described as “great fun” by the late Queen herself, according to former MP and royal author Gyles Brandreth.
In his book Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, Brandreth said Queen Elizabeth had really enjoyed taking part in the sketch and that she had enjoyed surprising the public with it.
Brandreth revealed: "What did the Queen make of it? 'Great fun,' she said.
“She marvelled that such a large crew had appeared at the Palace to film such a short sequence, and she was truly amazed that word of it didn't leak out before the day of transmission."
The late Queen exclaimed in seven very telling words: "Everyone kept the secret,' she said, delighted. 'That was lovely.'"
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Although this wasn't the first time the late Queen had appeared on camera, with the late monarch having featured in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games with Daniel Craig, one famous actress was reportedly very impressed.
Brandreth spoke to actress Judi Dench about the sketch, with Judi said to have been quite a fan of Her Majesty’s acting skills.
He said: "This time, much more in terms of acting was asked of the Queen than had been at the time of the Olympics — and she delivered in full measure.
"I happened to be working with Britain's most honoured film and stage actress at the time, Dame Judi Dench.
"And she said to me the day after she had seen it: 'Wasn't she good? I mean, really, really good. "'Her timing was perfect. Every look, every line was just right. It was completely on the money —none of it over-stated. Just wonderful.' She added, laughing: 'I'm quite worried. She's going to be offered all my work now.'"
It is believed the sketch was kept private from a number of people including the late Queen’s great grandchildren.
When it appeared on screens for the first time at the Platinum Party at the Palace celebrations in 2022, Princess Charlotte and Prince George looked shocked and delighted at the scene which played out on the screens.
At the time, Ms Mills told Sky News: "Did her family know or not? By the looks of it, there's a photo of that moment when that was played on screen and it looks like the family didn't know.
"So you've got Princess Charlotte kind of open-mouthed, William and Kate laughing away and it reminded me of that James Bond moment at the Olympics.
"This was slightly gentler than her jumping out of a helicopter with James Bond.”
