Camilla delivers basket of teddy bears to Barnardo’s nursery

Camilla visited a special teddy bears picnic at a Barnardo’s Nursery in Bow, London, with a basket of Paddington Bears and other cuddly toys that had been left as tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Residences after her death.

The Queen Consort at a special teddy bears picnic at a Barnardo’s Nursery in Bow, London (Image: PA)

Union Jack bunting was hung up in welcome at the Tower Hamlets nursery, which looks after 55 children, with 37 expected at this morning’s event.

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Lynn Perry MBE, CEO of Barnardo’s, said: “This is a very special day for Barnardo’s. We know these treasured bears will mean so much to the children who receive them, particularly as they learn about the special journey they have been on.

“We are incredibly grateful to HM The Queen Consort for her support and kindness. The children here will remember this moment for many years to come.”

The toys were among more than 1,000 donated to the children that Barnardo’s supports. Each one was professionally cleaned and given a label telling the story of its journey.

Oother bears will be distributed to children supported by Barnardo’s throughout the country.

Ms Perry added: “The fact that we’re able to give homes to the teddies left by the British public in memory of Queen Elizabeth II to children supported by Barnardo’s makes this donation especially meaningful. Some of these children may be facing big challenges in their lives and some parents may not be able to afford to buy lots of toys, particularly at the moment during the cost-of-living crisis and ahead of the festive season.

“In addition, this amazing support has also helped Barnardo’s to raise awareness of our work and drive donations to fund services which help children and young people across the UK. We are all truly honoured.”

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