The producer of "Paddington in Peru," a delightful sequel featuring the beloved bear created by Michael Bond, has revealed that the late Queen Elizabeth II will make a cherished appearance in the upcoming film. Rosie Alison, who is helming this third installment, shared with US entertainment outlet Variety that the royal family was "overjoyed" to grant permission for a photograph depicting the late monarch enjoying tea with Paddington to be incorporated into the movie. This heartwarming snapshot, originally part of a sketch commemorating Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee, captures a tender moment where the Queen, after being offered a marmalade sandwich by Paddington, whimsically retrieves one from her handbag, remarking, "I keep mine in here – for later."
Scheduled for release in the UK on November 8th, the film follows Paddington's exciting adventure to Peru, where he returns to visit his dear Aunt Lucy, now residing at the Home for Retired Bears. Alison gracefully noted to Variety, "[The royal family] was genuinely delighted to be a part of this, but they preferred to keep it low-key, as Paddington himself is a creature of modest demeanor."
During the Jubilee sketch, the late Queen's charming gesture of producing a marmalade sandwich from her purse became a memorable highlight, earning it a TV BAFTA award for the most memorable moment of the year. Following Her Majesty's passing in September 2022, mourners left Paddington teddy bears and marmalade sandwiches amidst the floral tributes outside royal residences, honoring both the Queen and her beloved bear.
For the film, Paddington, the Peruvian bear, was granted an authentic British passport by the Home Office, much to the delight of the filmmakers who had initially requested a prop version. Hugh Bonneville, who portrays Henry Brown, shared on The Graham Norton Show, "The producers wrote to the Home Office, inquiring about using a facsimile passport in the movie, and to their delight, they issued a real one. Under 'distinguishing features' in the passport, it simply states 'Bear.'"
Starring Olivia Colman, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in "The Crown," as The Reverend Mother, "Paddington in Peru" promises a heartwarming tale. Colman expressed her affection for Paddington to Variety, stating, "Paddington is simply the most wonderful soul in existence. Imagine if everyone embodied Paddington's kindness; wouldn't the world be a delightful place?"
