Bear thrills ahead of a royal picnic

PADDINGTONS have been partying at Buckingham Palace ahead of a special teddy bears’ picnic where the Queen Consort will hand out 1,000 toys.

While one bear enjoyed sliding down the bannister, another selected a book from the library, while a whole family of Paddingtons enjoyed a cuppa and a marmalade sandwich at nearby Clarence House.

JOY

The cuddly toys – left at royal residences in tribute to the late Queen – will be handed out at East London’s Bow Nursery.

Thursday’s event, in aid of Barnardo’s, will also be attended by Paddington film stars, Hugh Bonneville and Madeleine Harris.

Camilla succeeded the Queen as patron of the charity.

Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “We promise to look after these bears, which will bring joy to the children we support. We are incredibly grateful to the Queen Consort.”

TEDDIES’ TEA And, of course, a marmalade sandwich to accompany it

SLIDE OF HIS LIFE Bear down a bannister

RIGHT AT TOME This one picks a familiar tale

DONATION Queen Consort Camilla