After reading the title you may be thinking, Isabel, what are you going on about? Why should a bear from Darkest Peru be the next King of England? Well let me tell you why Paddington would make the perfect King by quoting directly from the Royal Family’s website; “The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; and supports the ideal of voluntary service. In all these roles The Sovereign is supported by members of their immediate family.” In my opinion Paddington passes all of these necessary characteristics with flying colours – read on so you can find out why!
Focus for national identity, unity and pride.
Firstly, and probably most importantly, Paddington is a symbol of national pride and has widespread public support. I have never met a person who actively dislikes Paddington and how could you?? He is the most genuine and kind bear out there with nothing but curiosity in his heart and marmalade sandwiches in his belly.
Many tourists and locals make the pilgrimage to visit his statue in Paddington station which not only illustrates the lengths people will go to get a photo with their furry friend but also reminds us that Paddington already shares his name with a part of the London Underground – not quite a whole tube line but what can a small bear do.
Like the monarchs of old, Paddington has already made it onto a 50p coin. These are much revered as the Royal Mint only released 5 million – one was recently sold for £1,500!! Therefore, Paddington has already completed one of, what I believe, to be the most important criteria of becoming a monarch – get your face on the money!
Not only does the statue, the tube station and the 50p coins show Paddington as a capable regal bear but it will also save taxpayers hard-earnt money. It would be frankly unnecessary to build even more statues when the current one is so loved.
With the online-lives we live Paddington has had to adapt to get his message out there. He is wonderful at fostering a positive image on social media by providing endearing and uplifting content as well as being in tune with current events and the public mood. This is best shown by some of my favourite Paddington excerpts which are below.
Gives a sense of stability and continuity.
The succession of direct bloodline is so important to the core of monarchy for the two main reasons of stability and continuity. I hear you say that there is no way Paddington could provide both of these, but I urge you to the think again. Which endearing double act was it that captured the hearts of the nation during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations? It was Paddington and the Queen’s marmalade sandwiches of course! What was it that members of the public placed at the gates of Buckingham Palace following the late Queen’s death? They were Paddington teddy bears of course!! Paddington’s tweet, “Thank you Ma’am, for everything”, following the announcement of the Queen’s death received 1 million likes and 17,000 reposts – that kind of support shows the strong associations between the late Queen and Paddington.
Supports the ideal of voluntary service
Paddington is already throwing his hat (and a few marmalade sandwiches) into the charities and voluntary service area of life. This is an essential element of royalty as it sets an important precedence of kindness and generosity. By being a mascot for Action Medical Research for more than 40 years Paddington has helped to raise millions of pounds for research into childhood illnesses and saved countless lives. Not only this but Paddington has been the face of worldwide UNICEF campaigns, helping to raise £7.1 million as well as helping young to realise their own rights, and to speak out in support of the rights of all through the OutRight campaign.
Support by members of family
Now this is an easy one. I think we can all agree that Paddington has one of the most supportive and genuine families out there. Not only is this important to show Paddington has a strong and stable family who can also be doted on by the public, but it also helps to break down the antiquated view that blood relation is essential for family. Although Paddington may not be directly related to the Brown family and Mrs Bird they are just as much family to him as Aunt Lucy in the Home for Retired Bears in Darkest Peru. Trust me, there will be no family divisions within this tight knit group…
All in all, I think we can determine that Paddington not only passes the qualifications of being a monarch but would excel in the position.
