Incredibly emotional sketch of Queen Elizabeth with Paddington Bear went viral after her passing

Following the passing of Britain's beloved Queen Elizabeth II last year, millions around the world paid tribute to Her Majesty.

Among them? Another British icon with a very special connection to the late monarch; Paddington Bear.

Shortly after Buckingham Palace announced her death, a sketch of the Queen hand in hand with Paddington Bear - which was originally drawn by artist Eleanor Tomlinson for the recent Jubilee celebrations - went viral on social media for the most heartwrenching reason.

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The sweet watercolour picture of the Queen, Paddington Bear and one of her corgis with their backs to the viewer as they walk away has had the emotional caption "I've done my duties Paddington, please take me to my husband" added to the image.

The image was created after the Queen showed off her amazing acting skills in a three-minute scene with Paddington, in which she revealed, much to the delight of royal fans, that she too kept a marmalade sandwich in her handbag.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Paddington Bear paid a heartfelt tribute which read: "Thank you Ma’am, for everything."

The Queen leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Archie and Lilibet.

 We're not crying. You're not crying.