Memorial service for Paddington Bear author at St Paul’s Cathedral

The English author, who penned more than 200 books, died in June, aged 91, following a short illness.

The service came a week after Bond’s new book was announced at St. Paul’s.

In Paddington At St Paul’s, chaos ensues when the bear is mistaken for a choirboy during a visit to the London landmark.

Bond’s daughter, Karen Jankel, said during the announcement: “If the outpouring of wonderful messages of condolence we received from my father’s fans is anything to go by, there will be many people who will be delighted to learn there is another Paddington book to look forward to.

“Our family feel immensely proud that we will be honouring his life at St Paul’s Cathedral and the fact that this is the setting for his final story makes it very special indeed.”

HarperCollins Children’s Books executive publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh added: “We are deeply honoured to be publishing the final Paddington story from our most cherished author, Michael Bond.

“Paddington At St Paul’s is Michael’s parting gift to all his fans – a simply classic Paddington story, brimming with curiosity, charm and affectionate exuberance.”

Bond became a beloved giant of children’s literature after his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, was published in 1958, about the bear from Peru who loves marmalade.

St Paul’s Cathedral in London hosted a memorial service for Michael Bond CBE, creator of Paddington Bear on Tuesday morning.