Queen Camilla Celebrates 100 Years of Winnie-the-Pooh with Poohsticks Game

Queen Camilla celebrated the centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh by playing poohsticks on July 7, 2026, at Ashdown Forest, East Sussex. This event marked 100 years since the first Winnie-the-Pooh books were published by AA Milne in 1926. The Queen's visit also served as her inaugural appearance as the patron of the Royal Literary Fund.

Queen's Visit to Ashdown Forest

Arriving in a black Range Rover, the Queen donned a green leaf-patterned dress. She engaged with children's authors, including Dame Julia Donaldson, known for The Gruffalo, and unveiled a new walking trail named Queen's Walk. The Queen expressed her fondness for the beloved bear, calling him a “universal hero”.

During her visit, she remarked, “Winnie-the-Pooh is a universal hero, people love him and his friends all over the world,” highlighting the character's lasting appeal. This new trail is expected to attract many visitors, especially children.

Playing Poohsticks at Poohsticks Bridge

The Queen visited the iconic Poohsticks Bridge, where AA Milne and his son Christopher Robin famously played the game. Poohsticks involves dropping twigs from one side of the bridge and racing to see which twig wins. The Queen participated in the game with local children and authors.

As they leaned over the bridge, she humorously noted, “Mine's still going strong.” However, she did not win the game. Local participant Esme Coulter, who shared third place with the Queen, remarked on the unexpected joy of the experience after winning a poetry competition.

Celebrating Literary Legacy and Community Engagement

The Queen's engagement extended beyond playful activities. She met with local children, staff, and volunteers from Ashdown Forest as she opened a memorial site dedicated to EH Shepard, the original illustrator of Winnie-the-Pooh. This location, known as The Enchanted Place, is where Christopher Robin says goodbye to the animals in the stories.

Dame Julia Donaldson commented on the significance of the event, stating it was “great” that the Queen is a fan of reading, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in nurturing young minds. The celebration not only honored the literary legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh but also fostered community spirit.