Queen Camilla Declares War on New York Over Winnie-the-Pooh

A transatlantic row has erupted over the fate of the original stuffed Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and Kanga. According to the New York Post, Queen Camilla wants the beloved toys to return to their British homeland, at least temporarily. But the New York Public Library is firmly opposed to letting them go.

The latest chapter in the dispute comes as the literary bear celebrates his 100th anniversary. A.A. Milne’s first collection of stories about the honey-loving bear was published on October 14, 1926. The character was inspired by the toys belonging to the author’s son, Christopher Robin Milne. The original stuffed bear himself is now 105 years old.

According to The Washington Post, Camilla would like the original Winnie-the-Pooh to be brought to Britain and has even offered to house him in one of the royal castles. But the idea has not gone down well in New York. The British are also hoping to bring the other famous inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood back home.

‘They’re Americans Now’

The New York Public Library has been home to the toys since 1987, when they were donated by publisher Dutton Children’s Books. Today, they are displayed behind glass in the library’s main building in Manhattan and are considered one of the highlights of its celebrated children’s literature collection.

“The New York Public Library has proudly cared for Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends since 1987. Christopher Robin’s childhood toys hold a special place in our renowned collection,” the library’s director of communications, Melissa Grace, said.

She added that visitors are welcome to see the toys in the library’s Treasures exhibition — free of charge.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal took an even tougher stance, throwing down the gauntlet to the British: “Come and get them.”

Meanwhile, British commentators have been joking about possible ways to bring the bear home. One article even suggested swapping him for Meghan Markle.

The Battle for Winnie-the-Pooh Has Lasted Nearly 30 Years

The dispute began long before the current anniversary. In 1998, British lawmakers called for the toys to be returned, but then-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani refused to accommodate them.

He described the stuffed bear as “an example of the very best of immigration.” The New York Post responded with the biting front-page headline Pooh on You! — a pun mocking the British campaign to reclaim the toys.

The British later appealed to U.S. President Barack Obama in the hope of resolving the dispute through diplomacy. But the library’s leadership remained unmoved. “The answer is no,” its president, Anthony Marx, said at the time.

Years later, New York’s position has not changed. While Britain marks the beloved character’s centenary with commemorative stamps, special editions, LEGO sets and a new official book about the boy and his bear, the original toys remain on the other side of the Atlantic.

New York’s anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the autumn. And judging by the library’s statements, the British may have to accept that Winnie-the-Pooh is not going anywhere — at least for now.