Queen Elizabeth II could not attend the big platinum party in her honor due to health reasons. But she celebrated with a prepared video contribution.
Little Paddington bear always has a sandwich in his hat – for emergencies. But now the UK knows its Queen feels the same way.
“I’ve got mine in here,” said the real Elizabeth II at a meeting with the animated movie darling – smiling and pulling a sandwich from her famous handbag. The funny scene was the surprising beginning of the anniversary concert for the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London – and immediately put the 22,000 spectators in a good mood.
Filmed in Windsor
The sequence was filmed months ago at her Windsor Castle residence, and the children’s book character was subsequently incorporated using 3D graphics – so-called computer-generated imagery.
“Her Majesty is known for her sense of humor, so it should come as no surprise that she has decided to star in the skit,” the palace said. “There was an interest in the filming and animation process and the opportunity to invite a famous bear over for tea was too much fun not to be missed.” The Queen, who missed the “Platinum Party at the Palace” due to mobility problems, wanted to show how much the show meant to her.
“Tea?” the queen asks the bear, and Paddington immediately sips from the pot – there is nothing left for his hostess. “It doesn’t matter,” she says, before the clumsy film character squirts icing through the noble rooms of the palace. But then the bear gets serious: “Happy anniversary, Ma’am,” he congratulates the Queen on her 70th birthday. “And thank you. For everything.” As always, the Queen maintains composure: “That’s very friendly,” she replies.
Rock band Queen opens the show
Then her valet looks out the window and the cheering crowds in front of the palace can be seen. “The party’s about to start,” says the courtier. The real Queen and the animated Paddington set the rhythm with their teaspoons – and on stage the rock band Queen with singer Adam Lambert opens the live show with their hit “We Will Rock You”.
It’s not the first time the Queen has taken part in a humorous feature film. Unforgotten is how she let James Bond actor Daniel Craig pick her up at the palace for the opening of the Summer Olympics in London in 2012, then – panting her beloved corgis at the side – walked through the corridors and finally got into a helicopter. Final point: jump over the Olympic Stadium. But whether the real Queen really jumped off at the time remains her secret.
