The Queen’s secret: How Elizabeth II hid her Olympics 2012 skit with Daniel Craig from the royal family
Her family had no idea what she had planned with Daniel Craig
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Queen Elizabeth II always rose to the occasion when it came to celebrating key events in the UK.
The monarch never shied away from requests for organisers of ceremonies that requested her participation.
On Thursday (8 September), the Royal Family announced that the Queen died peacefully at Balmoral, aged 96, leading to tributes from the world of entertainment.
Follow the latest updates as the world pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
In the wake of her death, people are remembering her appearances at high-profile events, the most famous being at the London 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.
Directed by Danny Boyle, the televised event occured on 27 July 2012.
Things got off to an unexpected, but very fun start thanks to a special cameo by Queen Elizabeth II herself alongside Daniel Craig in character as James Bond.
Duriong the skit, the fictional spy escorts the Queen from Buckingham Palace to the Olympics in a helicopter.
An actor playing the Queen was then shown jumping out of the aircraft fit with a Union Jack parachute.
Making the scene even more fun was the fact that the Queen kept her involvement secret from her family.
Earlier this year, production stage manager Sam Hunter told broadcaster Kirsty Wark:“The Queen never told her family she was doing it. That was one of the stipulations when she agreed to be part of it.”
According to Hunter, when you view the ceremony, you can see the surprise of her family members as they watch the moment for the first time simultaneously with the rest of the world.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Another memorable skit involving the Queen occurred just three months ago during her platinum jubilee celebrations, when she performed a scene alongside Paddington Bear, voiced by Ben Whishsaw.
Following news of the monarch’s death, the fictional character’s official Twitter page paid tribute via a touching callback to the scene they shared together.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments