Michael Bond, the British creator of one of the most-loved children characters Paddington Bear, passed away at the age of 91 after a short illness.

Bond published his first book, A Bear Called Paddington, about the marmalade-loving bear arriving at the London railway station of the same name from the deepest, darkest Peru in 1958.

The beloved writer continued writing until the end. His last Paddington story, Paddington’s Finest Hour, was published in April.

Bond's daughter, Karen Jankel, spoke to The Guardian after her father's passing. "It’s a shock to everybody. For me, he was the most wonderful father you can imagine, so obviously our loss is personal. But it’s wonderful that he’s left the legacy of his books and Paddington that will live on for ever, which is really very special."

“The whole world is lucky to have had him … Paddington himself is so real to all of us. He’s still a part of our family and we’re very lucky.”

Tributes poured in from all around the world on Twitter.

Farewell Michael Bond. You showed us kindness was the best virtue... #PaddingtonBear pic.twitter.com/XsKq93jlww

— Pulp Librarian (@PulpLibrarian) June 28, 2017

I had the great pleasure of spending time with #MichaelBond A dazzling wit & perfect gentleman. On meeting him I realised he was #Paddington

— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) June 28, 2017

Paddington Bear is a brilliant story about an immigrant trying to find a new home in a strange country. RIP Michael Bond you fantastic human

— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) June 28, 2017

So sorry to hear that Michael Bond has departed. He was as kindly, dignified, charming & lovable as the immortal Paddington Bear he gave us

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) June 28, 2017

RIP Michael Bond.
You made 5.55 PM on BBC1 great. pic.twitter.com/X9K9eNJlcd

— Rae Earl (@RaeEarl) June 28, 2017

Sad to hear the news that the creator of Londons most famous bear has died. RIP Michael Bond #paddingtonbear pic.twitter.com/wwNMPIJflc

— The Classic Tour (@theclassictour) June 28, 2017

Michael Bond has died. ? RIP pic.twitter.com/qkKVd12lgO

— Mark Sparrow (@Markgsparrow) June 28, 2017

Very sad to hear Michael Bond has died. I knew him for 45 years and rarely met anyone kinder or more gentle.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) June 28, 2017

People in London are paying tribute to the late creator of Paddington Bear at Paddington railway station.

I don't usually like impromptu shrines, but this tribute to Michael Bond at Paddington this evening is very touching pic.twitter.com/g91ysH1GgI

— Barbara Rich (@BarbaraRich_law) June 28, 2017

The iconic creation of Paddington, with his duffle coat and wellington boots will forever live in the hearts of the readers.

So sad to hear about the lovely Michael Bond. In his honour, here is a letter he wrote me when I won a Paddington story competition (sniff) pic.twitter.com/HxHkiwdDax

— Cathy Abbott (@CathyAbbottLab) June 28, 2017

The Paddington Bear means more than just a story to a lot of people.

"In London everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in" -Paddington Bear. RIP Michael Bond, and thank you ??‘? pic.twitter.com/t87pnX4Z2h

— Leah Kreitzman (@lkreitzman) June 28, 2017

RIP Michael Bond - Paddington was a huge part of my life, as a kid I devoured every one of his books. "Please look after this bear." pic.twitter.com/gbG0OyCXfH

— Stephen Breslin (@sonofabreslin) June 29, 2017

This #PaddingtonBear has been in my family for about 40 years and he is very loved #RIPMichaelBond pic.twitter.com/HsCW2szssO

— Ali Devonshire (@AlidevonRVN) June 29, 2017

Apart from Paddington, Bond created characters including Olga da Polga and A Mouse Called Thursday along with a series of novels for adults, featuring the detective Monsieur Pamplemousse.

Bond's 26 Paddington books have sold in excess of 35 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 40 languages.