24 October 2023 , 15:43
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The late Queen nailed her lines in her iconic sketch with Paddington Bear after getting a secret and very specific piece of advice, it has been revealed. The former monarch marked her Platinum Jubilee in June 2023 and stunned fans - and even her own family - by recording an award-winning sketch with the cheeky little bear from Peru.
At the time of filming, the late Queen was in failing health and the length of the shoot began to take its toll on her. The punchline of the piece saw Paddington reveal he keeps marmalade sandwiches under his hat - and Elizabeth II then admitting that she also keeps them in her trusty black handbag. And actor Simon Farnaby, who also appeared in the sketch, has now told of how she had been struggling with the final line - until the director offered her genius advice.
The late Queen in her iconic sketch with Paddington Bear for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations (BUCKINGHAM PALACE/AFP via Getty)The actor, who appeared on Richard Herring's podcast explained: "There was a bit where Paddington says, 'I keep my marmalade sandwiches in my hat, I keep it for emergencies. She goes, 'So do I. I keep mine in here,' and she has a handbag."
But Mr Farnaby says the Queen's delivery of the line was too harsh at first and he added: "The director would come in and say, 'Ma'am, could you just be a bit gentler'. And she'd be so sweet and she'd go, 'I'm so sorry, yes of course.' He'd go, 'Like you're talking to your grandchildren.' She'd say, 'Oh, of course. I’m so sorry.' And it seems persistence paid off as the Queen, who was getting more and more tired, finally delivered the perfect line after the tip, which Mr Farnaby said was "really sweet and really lovely".
She revealed she kept marmalade sandwiches in her handbag (BBC)The full sketch showed an afternoon tea between Paddington and the Queen during a Party at the Palace. In the somewhat chaotic date, Paddington accidentally splatters a cream scone on a butler’s face, before revealing he had a marmalade sandwich stashed away under his famous red hat for safekeeping.
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The Queen then pulled out her iconic black handbag to reveal that she had a marmalade sandwich of her own hidden away.
The clip was kept a secret from the public and even the Royal Family – including the late Queen'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 the Party at the Palace, as they laughed and beamed in delight at the sketch.
Actor Simon Farnaby, who also appeared with the late Queen and Paddington in the sketch (PA)Just three months after the sketch was broadcast on the BBC before the Platinum Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace, the late Queen died peacefully at the age of 96 at Balmoral. Mourners left marmalade sandwiches among the floral tributes which amassed outside royal residences.
Dozens of Paddington Bear toys were also left as tributes to Her late Majesty, which went on to be donated to charities. Earlier this year, the sketch won the memorable moment award at the TV BAFTAs.