Queen’s Paddington Bears: More than 1,000 teddy bears left in tribute to Elizabeth will be donated to a children’s charity

LONDON– More than 1,000 teddy bears left in honor of Queen Elizabeth II will be donated to a children’s charity, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The teddy bears – some pictured as popular British child character Paddington Bear – were left outside the royal residences in London and Windsor, according to a press release from the royal family on Saturday.

The bears are professionally cleaned and donated to Barnardo’s, a UK children’s charity. The organization provides support services for vulnerable children and young adults.

Queen Elizabeth II was the charity’s patron from 1983 to 2016, according to her website. Queen Consort Camilla became Patron of the Barnardo in 2016.

The teddy bears are among thousands of tributes left outside the royal residences as well as in two formal tribute areas in London after the Queen’s death on September 8. The Royal Parks Charity worked with a group of nearly 200 volunteers to “sensitively clear” the Tribute Gardens later in September, the press release said.

“Those involved in the project hope the teddy bears will be loved by children supported by Barnardo’s for many years to come as they understand the story behind the bears and how they were donated,” the press release continued.

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