How that tea party was pulled off by BBC.
Close dialogue between broadcaster & Buckingham Palace led to famous tea party between Queen Elizabeth & Paddington.
- Published by David Knox
- on
With the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, much is being said of Her Majesty’s sparkling sense of humour, seen recently during her now-famous tea party with Paddington Bear during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert.
James Stirling, Executive Editor of ‘BBC 100’ celebrations has told TV Tonight how the idea developed between Buckingham Palace and the BBC.
“That’s the kind of thing that I think probably only the BBC could do with our relationship with the palace. It started off as an idea with some of our colleagues in BBC Studios, who had the idea of Paddington Bear, kind of causing chaos in Buckingham Palace and knocking things over,” he said.
“And then actually a really a great conversation with Palace developed further into something where the Queen was much more involved. And a tea party. That then just flipped into the actual concert with him tapping their tea cups to the Queen song.”
But was Her Majesty actually aware she was mimicking the beat of We Will Rock You or was she just tapping a rhythm requested by a producer?
“Great question. I genuinely wish I knew the answer to that. I’m going to ask someone!” said Stirling.
He added, “Obviously it was kept under wraps to a Need-to-Know basis only. So when it unfolded I think it showed the ambition that we tend to try and bring to these moments.”
4 Responses
It is remembered that King Charles III was a huge fan of the Goons. He’s outlived all three- Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers (and Michael Bentine).
Thank you for sharing David Knox….all other clips I have seen were bits and pieces…
Have watched this a few times on Youtube. Its hilarious.
This was absolutely genius, I’m this side of 70 (fem) and not only do I love our Queen of the World but I love Queen the band. I’m an aging rocker and I thought this was the highlight of the concert. The Queen had a charming wicked sense of humour and that’s one of the many reasons that endeared her to the people and loved her. I only hope King Charles can be just as humorous and lighten things like the Queen did. She deserves all the admiration that was given to her. RIP your Majesty and thank you for everything you have done. To the BBC congratulations on a job well done. Brilliant!!!