THE Queen has celebrated her Platinum Jubilee by posing for an iconic photo with Paddington Bear.
Her Majesty, 96, and Paddington Bear surprised viewers by sharing a warm and hilarious cream tea at Buckingham Palace in honour of her 70 years of service.
Tens of thousands of people watched outside the Royal household on big screens while millions tuned in live across the UK and worldwide.
British favourite Paddington said he was delighted to learn that The Queen shares his love of marmalade sandwiches.
And the beaming Monarch even opened her handbag to reveal her own ready-made supply of Paddington’s bread and orange preserve staple inside.
As the beloved bear shows Her Majesty what he hides underneath his hat, The Queen confirms “So do I,” before prising open her bag and remarking “I keep mine in here.”
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The hilarious ditty is a send-up of the age-old question and mystery of what is in the Queen’s iconic handbag.
The heartwarming video was kept under wraps for several months – just as the Queen’s sketch with James Bond star Daniel Craig was before the London 2012 Olympics.
Clumsy favourite Paddington – voiced by actor Ben Wishaw – also causes his characteristic chaos.
He accidentally deprives Her Majesty an extra cup of tea by spraying cream from a Chocolate Éclair over a Palace Footman.
But it is not all light-hearted jokes as Britain’s favourite bear congratulates his patient and forgiving new friend on her outstanding 70 years of service.
Commenting on her record-breaking reign Paddington said: “Happy Jubilee Ma’am. And thank you. For everything.”
Queen Elizabeth modestly replies: “That’s very kind.”
The heartwarming sequence ends with both The Queen and Paddington using a spoon to tap out the beat of Queen’s classic hit We Will Rock You.
It kickstarted the third night of celebrations which has seen The Palace become a stage alive with music as artists from the UK and across the world come together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
Brits have turned out in their droves to join in the celebrations with there being an expected crowd of 22,000.
Revellers were earlier spotted swarming on The Mall and across central London.
Famous performers tonight include the likes of Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart, Craig David, Diana Ross, George Ezra and Alicia Keys.
The global music stars at The Palace have been accompanied by a full, live orchestra.
The Party at the Palace will also see Prince Charles and Prince William making speeches to pay tribute to the Queen.
However, the monarch herself is not in attendance. Instead, she’ll watch the concert from the comfort of Windsor Palace.
She earlier bowed out of both the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s and the Epsom Derby after suffering some discomfort on Thursday.
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Queen Elizabeth has been experiencing mobility problems in recent months and the palace had warned in advance that the monarch would consider which jubilee events she felt able to attend.
Granddaughter Zara Tindall said earlier that Her Majesty is enjoying the celebrations at home in her “comfy clothes”.
