Royals thank SIC for teddy

SHETLAND Islands Council has been thanked after gifting a Burra Bear teddy to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby daughter last month.

The royal couple welcomed Princess Charlotte into their family on 2 May. After sending a Burra Bear to the duo after the birth of their first child George in 2013, the council followed suit after the arrival of Charlotte.

The lace bear was made from traditional fabric knitted at Shetland College.

The gift also included an invitation for Prince William and Kate to visit the isles – an offer that has not yet been accepted.

It has now been revealed that Kensington Palace has sent a letter of thanks to the local authority after receiving the latest bear, which was named HRH Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Council convener Malcolm Bell said that it is custom to send a gift after the birth of a royal baby.

“I was delighted to hear the Burra Bear has arrived safely at Kensington Palace.

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“In time, I hope their Royal Highnesses will be able to come to Shetland and visit the ‘birthplace’ of their Burra Bears.”

Wendy Inkster, who runs the Burra Bears company, added: “My paternal grandmother, Ruby, was held in very high regard for knitting very fine ‘cobweb’ lace.

“Many of her haps, or christening shawls, were earmarked to go straight to Harrods in London, and it would be nice to think that perhaps one of those may have found its way into the Palace, just like this Lace Burra Bear which was sent south for our new baby princess.”