Paddington teddy bears left as part of tributes to Queen Elizabeth II donated to charity

More than 1,000 Paddington teddy bears left in tribute to the late Queen at Royal Residences are to be donated to Barnardo’s children’s charity.

Thousands of tributes including flowers and teddy bears were left at Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor and the Palace of Holyroodhouse following the passing of the Queen on September 8.

Many were also left at two official tribute areas in Green Park and Hyde Park in London.

In late-September, the Royal Parks charity, with the help of Shire horses and around 200 volunteers, began sensitively clearing the tribute gardens.

The teddy bears are currently being looked after at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and in the Royal Parks nursery located in Hyde Park.

They will all be professionally cleaned and delivered to Barnardo’s in the coming weeks.

Barnardo’s chief executive Lynn Perry said the bears would “bring joy” to the children supported by the charity.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Barnardo’s Patron for over 30 years and we are honoured to be able to give homes to the teddies that people left in her memory,” she said.

“We promise to look after these bears who will be well-loved and bring joy to the children we support.

“We are incredibly grateful to Her Majesty the Queen Consort for her support in helping us to raise awareness of the needs of vulnerable children and young people in the UK so that we can continue to support them through our vital services.

Tom Jarvis, director of parks at the Royal Parks charity, said they are “delighted” that the bears will go to Barnardo’s.

“Over the last few weeks, we have been looking for a fitting and appropriate use for the hundreds of teddy bears that were left in the Green Park and Hyde Park to honour the Queen,” said Jarvis.

“We are delighted that the teddy bears will now bring joy and comfort to hundreds of children supported by Barnardo’s”