British Embassy says Winnie-the-Pooh will stay at New York Public Library

The British Embassy in Washington addressed rumors about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends returning to the United Kingdom, stating the beloved stuffed animals will remain at the New York Public Library, WTOP reported.

The toys, owned by A.A. Milne’s son Christopher Robin in the 1920s, inspired the characters in Milne’s famous children’s books. They were donated to the New York Public Library in 1987 after a national tour in the U.S.

Rumors about moving the collection began after The Washington Post reported a campaign to bring the teddy bear back to the UK for Pooh’s 100th anniversary. The British Embassy clarified Pooh and his friends are "in excellent hands" at the library.

Melissa Grace, communications director at the New York Public Library, said the library is excited to celebrate the anniversary with a free exhibit and plans to give away 3,000 copies of the books.

The Post also reported that author Gyles Brandreth tried to bring Pooh to Buckingham Palace two years ago, but the library declined. Instead, Queen Camilla visited the library in April and donated a new Roo doll to the collection.