When news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death broke, an illustrated picture of her walking hand-in-hand with a recognisable, marmalade sandwich-loving bear began circulating on social media.
Alongside the image were the words, ‘I’ve done my duties Paddington, please take me to my husband’.
Since then, sales of the beloved, red-booted, bucket hat-adorned plush toy have skyrocketed at Keilor Park’s Aussie Toys Online.
“Paddingtons with little boots are what have been walking out the door,” manager Sarah Thomas said.
“They are always popular at Aussie Toys Online, but we’ve seen an uptick and are selling 10 times more than we’d see in a month.”
In June, The Queen made a surprise appearance in a sketch with Paddington, in commemoration of her 70 years on the throne, known as her Platinum Jubilee.
The clip is titled ‘Marmalade sandwich Your Majesty?’, and features The Queen and Paddington sharing where on their person they keep their delectable, favourite snack.
Ms Thomas said while the company ships Bluey costumes overseas, it was the first time Paddington bears, of all shapes and sizes, were making their way as far as North Carolina in the United States.
“To me, it’s something that we have here in Australia that is still very English,” Ms Thomas said.
“I think people are buying them as momentos, which is lovely, because of the Jubilee… that’s been carried through to her passing.
“[The Queen] has always been there, and so has Paddington.”
