Paddington Bear granted British passport by Home Office
Paddington Bear, a beloved character who first arrived in London 66 years ago according to the story, has finally been issued with a British passport. However, don't expect him to be jetting off anywhere soon.
The Peruvian bear's passport was requested by film-makers for use as a prop in the upcoming movie, Paddington in Peru.
Paddington in Peru, sees the bear – voiced by Ben Whishaw and named after the London train station –given official documents meaning he is now allowed to travel abroad to visit his Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) in his homeland.
Co-producer Rob Silva revealed to Radio Times that they had initially asked for a replica, but were instead given an official document.
However, before you get too excited, the Home Office confirmed to the BBC that it is actually a specimen document and can't be used for travel.
"You wouldn't think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they've just listed him as Bear," Silva commented.
“You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they’ve just listed him as Bear.”
The character, full name Paddington Brown, was born and orphaned in Peru as a cub and arrived in London stowed away on a lifeboat.
Paddington Bear was brought to life in 1958 by Michael Bond, who drew inspiration from his childhood experiences during World War Two to create the character from "darkest Peru".
Bond recalled to the BBC in 2017: "When I was small, I had memories of children being evacuated from London with a label around their necks and all their possessions in a suitcase, and this became part of Paddington as well,".
He added: "Paddington Bear was a refugee with a label - 'Please look after this bear. Thank you', and he had a little suitcase."
In the story, Paddington arrives as a stowaway on a boat from South America and finds a home with the Brown family, who name him after the London train station where they discovered him.
The popular movie series, which features Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington, is based on Bond's books. The third instalment, Paddington in Peru, is set to hit cinemas in November.
Paddington is also well-known for having tea with the late Queen Elizabeth II during the festivities for her Platinum Jubilee.