Here is our Queen in all her glory – alongside James Bond. The dogs were also her real corgis, the Queen and the dogs playing their parts perfectly. 2012 was a magnificent year in the history of the United Kingdom. In addition to the Olympic Games, it was the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and everyone was expected to have a good time.
Danny Boyle revealed at the time that the Queen had volunteered to play herself in the James Bond-style opening ceremony. Boyle himself hadn’t been bold enough to ask the Queen to play the part, initially considering a lookalike. Apparently, they followed standard protocol by requesting permission from the Palace to use the venue and perhaps asking an actress like Helen Mirren to play the role. They were absolutely stunned when they were told that not only did they have permission, but the Queen herself would love to play the part.
When Danny Boyle and the cameramen finally arrived to discuss the role, the Queen apparently asked what she should do. She reportedly added, ” Don’t you think I should say something? “
This is how the Queen ended up having a real acting role with a text during Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony.
Source: Daily Mail of 3/23/13
Here she is, parachuted into the stadium at the start of the proceedings. I must clarify here, for those less perceptive, that it wasn’t her. She was probably ready to do it too, such was the spirit of that glorious year 2012, but it was deemed too far a bridge.
So we were left with the image of the Queen sitting in her office, with Daniel Craig going to get her. She turns around and says, ” Good evening, Mr. Bond ,” then gets up to cross the palace hall, the dogs at her side and James Bond following her conscientiously.
As you can see here, Prince Charles couldn’t believe his eyes. And even Camilla was stunned.
Source: Daily Mail from 27/7/12
2012 was indeed a wonderful year, and the woman who was once considered a little withdrawn and perhaps cold in some respects, certainly set the record straight once and for all, becoming a heroine in our eyes.