The Queen, as the patron of the Royal Literary Fund, visited Ashdown Forest to celebrate the centenary of the first Winnie-the-Pooh book. The forest served as the inspiration for the beloved Hundred Acre Wood from A. A. Milne’s timeless stories, featuring characters like Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet.
During her visit, the Queen engaged in a game of ‘Pooh-Sticks’ at the iconic bridge from the book with three children who had won a Winnie-the-Pooh-themed poetry contest. The event, organized by Ashdown Forest in collaboration with the Royal Literary Fund, also included meetings with notable figures in children’s literature.
Before the game, Gyles Brandreth, donning a Pooh sweater, recited a passage from The House at Pooh Corner, detailing the origins of the whimsical game. Using sticks from the Buckingham Palace garden, they played, with illustrator Axel Scheffler emerging as the victor.
Camilla participated in friendly competitions with the poetry contest winners, showcasing her playful side and engaging with young talents. The day concluded with the unveiling of the Queen’s Walk, an all-weather trail, and a heartfelt speech from Camilla, reminiscing about her childhood and the joy of playing Pooh Sticks. The event aimed to honor the enduring legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh and attract visitors to the enchanting trail, including Piglet’s house, in Ashdown Forest.