14 DAY TRIAL // One of the most talked about moments at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London was the segment that saw James Bond whisk the Queen away in a helicopter, only to parachute on the stadium later.
It was possible thanks to Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle, who suggested the idea to London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe, the Daily Mail reports.
However, they still had a lot of work to do before actually getting the Queen on board because, obviously, merely wishing it does not get a Royal to make their acting debut on such a prestigious event.
So, the two started lobbying until they eventually found the right person to talk to about this stunt, one that would see the Queen in the same scene with one of the most beloved spies ever to grace the silver screen.
“It was her deputy private secretary, Edward Young, a former adviser to William Hague, who acted as the go-between. Some insiders refer to him as the 'Secret Agent' – because he was the key link between the Palace and Mr Boyle’s team,” the Mail writes.
“Lord Coe had served as chief of staff to William Hague around the time Mr Young was working as the then Opposition leader’s communications chief. Palace insiders felt it was a fortuitous connection that at least gave Lord Coe a chance of winning approval for the plan,” adds the same report.
After they got all the approvals necessary, they set out to work: they found body doubles for both the Queen and Daniel Craig, who is currently playing the role of Bond, as well as stunt doubles for the parachute jump.
The Mail says the Queen agreed to all conditions, having just one of her own: she must be the one who chooses her outfit for the shoot.
“Sources said Her Majesty’s only stipulation for her acting role was that she would choose what to wear. Eschewing the bikini favored by some who have gone before her – most memorably Ursula Andress and Halle Berry – she decided on a salmon dress,” the Mail writes.
“In the helicopter scene, she was played by Julia McKenzie, famed for portraying Miss Marple. The scene concluded with the stunt double of the Queen parachuting into the Olympic Stadium,” adds the tab.
Speaking with the Mail, Boyle praised the Queen for her contribution, saying that, even though she did not take part in the rehearsals, she nailed her scene in just one take.
“She’s a good actor. She’s very sharp. You didn’t have to tell her anything twice. She got along with James Bond very well,” Mr. Boyle said.
