Following reporting that Queen Camilla has requested the New York Public Library return the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animal to the United Kingdom, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal issued the following statement:
“The UK Government, through Queen Camilla herself, has requested the return of the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animal, along with his friends Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, and Tigger to Great Britain.
“The New York Public Library was gifted these original dolls in 1987 for permanent exhibition, where they have been looked after with exceptional love and conservation.
“Over one million tourists and tens of thousands of New York City schoolchildren visit Winnie-the-Pooh every single year, where they are inspired to read by their presence.
“Winnie-the-Pooh belongs to the people of New York City and won’t be leaving anytime soon.”
