Steiff Creates Bear Honoring Queen Elizabeth's 100th Birthday

A heartwarming tribute to Queen Elizabeth II brings back one of the most cherished moments from her final public appearances, just in time for what would have been her 100th birthday on April 21st.

Steiff, the legendary German company that invented the teddy bear in 1880, has released a special edition Queen Elizabeth II bear dressed in her memorable lime green coat and matching hat. Each bear comes complete with a pearl necklace and handbag, capturing an outfit that became synonymous with the late monarch.

To launch the collection, Steiff recreated the beloved 2022 Platinum Jubilee sketch at Newby Hall. A soft toy Paddington sat down for tea with the commemorative Queen bear, mirroring the moment that captured hearts worldwide when the real Queen revealed she too kept marmalade sandwiches in her handbag.

"What Her Majesty stood for in the last 100 years was really dedication and pride and service, and I think she has a very special place in all of our hearts," said Ian Munro, Steiff's director of international sales. The company partnered with Galerista to create what they call a superb collectible for this milestone moment.

The attention to detail goes beyond the outfit. Only 4,996 bears will be made, honoring the Queen's 96 years of life. Each individually numbered bear costs £289 and features colored embroidery on its paw soles marking the centenary.

Sunny's Take

The original Paddington sketch became one of Britain's most treasured television moments. When the Queen passed away in September 2022, mourners left mountains of Paddington toys and marmalade sandwiches outside Buckingham Palace, showing how deeply that simple tea party had resonated with people of all ages.

Steiff has a long tradition of marking historic moments with special bears, from the millennium to significant royal celebrations. This centenary bear continues that legacy while celebrating a woman who dedicated her life to service.

This sweet tribute reminds us that the best legacies live on through the joy they brought others.