Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II After Death
Mourners Asked Not to Lay Marmalade Sandwiches and Paddington Bears as Tributes For the Queen
As the country mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96 on 8 Sept., there has been an outpouring of love and thanks for the longest-serving British monarch. Thousands lined the streets as the Queen's coffin was moved from Balmoral to Holyroodhouse, and thousands more have made their way to London to lay tributes outside Buckingham Palace and in the royal parks.
Prince William, and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, reunited with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to read the touching cards left by mourners at Windsor Castle. A source told The Mirror that it "was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family."
Mounds of blossoming flowers have been laid, accompanied by cards expressing heartfelt sympathy for the royal family. Children have left sketches, handmade cards, and well wishes for the late Queen. In true British eccentricity, there has been a growing trend of Paddington bear cuddly toys and marmalade sandwiches also left, as the public references the joyful video the Queen filmed with the fictional character, Paddington Bear, in honour of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. A tweet went viral of a sandwich left in a plastic sandwich bag, with the note "A marmalade sandwich for your journey, Ma'am".
However, a statement released by Royal Parks, which manages Green Park where tributes have been moved to, has asked the public to stop leaving sandwiches and teddy bears. "Unfortunately, no gifts and artefacts will be accepted and the public will be asked not to bring these to the parks. Non-floral objects/artefacts such as teddy bears or balloons should not be brought," it reads. The public has been asked to remove the wrapping from bouquets of flowers as well to help with composting, which will begin after the Queen's funeral on Monday, 19 Sept. Cards are accepted, but moved later for storage away from the park, while candles will be removed. Composted material will then be used on landscaping projects across the Royal Parks.
Celebrities have also been taking to social media to offer kind words, remembering the late Queen and her unwavering 70 years of service. The Twitter account for Paddington Bear even tweeted, simply, "Thank you, ma'am."
The Queen is survived by her four children, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, and Charles, who is now King Charles III. Ahead, see some of the tributes honouring the late royal.
