Newbury woman selling prints of Queen Elizabeth II and Paddington Bear painting to raise money for charity

A Newbury woman who painted a portrait of the Queen and Paddington Bear before the monarch’s death is selling prints of the picture to raise money for local charities.

Kate Oppel, 78, of Dene Way, was inspired to paint the portrait three months ago, after watching the sketch involving the pair, which was released to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Mrs Oppel has sold 18 prints so far, and is planning to print more so she can raise money for West Berkshire Homeless, Castle School, and a local food bank.

She said: “When I painted it I just wanted to create a painting. I didn’t realise people would want prints of it or anything.

“But then they started asking for them, so a whole new opportunity opened up.

“I just loved the YouTube video of her with Paddington Bear and I just wanted to capture the magic between them.

“I thought it was a very timely and very, very clever thing to do. Also it cheered everyone up when we needed to be cheered up.”

The sketch, which was released by The Royal Family on YouTube, shows the late monarch having afternoon tea with the clumsy children's character while crowds celebrate in front of Buckingham Palace.

It has currently amassed just under 10 million views on the video sharing website.

Mrs Oppel wrote to the Queen before her death asking her permission to sell the picture, and one of her ladies-in-waiting replied passing on the Queen’s praise for her artistic skill, and her charitable efforts.

She said: “My father was mad about the Queen.

“We always used to watch her Christmas message and he used to cry and say ‘She never puts a foot wrong’. That’s how I’ve been brought up.”

She is currently working with Apple Print and Creative in Newbury to create more copies of the painting to sell, as she only has six left.

“I have absolutely no idea as to how many people will want one. I haven’t got a clue,” she said.

Prints of the picture are being sold for £10 in two pottery cafes in the local area; the Ugly Duckling in Newbury and Blue Beetle Ceramics in Thatcham.

Mrs Oppel, who has illustrated books in the past, joined the Newbury Arts Group earlier this year to get into painting.

She currently teaches yoga and music, and has recently joined a singing duo.

Mrs Oppel said: “I just like to keep going really. I don’t want to stop. I think the more you do, the younger you keep yourself.”