So here is our Queen in all her splendor – alongside James Bond. The dogs are also original Corgis; both the Queen and the dogs play their roles perfectly. 2012 was a great year in British history. It was not only the Olympics but also the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and it was a good time for everyone.
Danny Boyle revealed at the time that the Queen actually volunteered to play her own role in his opening ceremony, a parody of James Bond. Boyle himself wasn't so bold as to ask the Queen to play the part, as he had initially considered a lookalike. Apparently, they went through the usual procedures, got the sketch through the right channels, asked the Palace for permission to use that location, and perhaps even approached an actress like Helen Mirren to play the part. They were absolutely speechless when the reply came back that not only did they have permission, but that the Queen herself would be delighted to play the role.
When they (Danny Boyle and the cameramen) finally came together for the role, the Queen apparently asked what she should do. It was reported that she said, "Don't you think I should say something?"
Thus, the queen ended up with an acting role, including a speaking role, in the dynamic of Danny Boyle's opening scene.
Here she is parachuting into the stadium at the start of the event. For those less observant, I should point out that this was actually a double. I think she was probably willing to do it, such was the spirit of that glorious year 2012, but it was believed that this might go too far.
So we were left with an image of the Queen sitting in her study, being collected by Daniel Craig. She turns and says, "Good evening, Mr. Bond," and rises to walk across the palace hall, dogs at her side and James Bond dutifully following behind.
As you can see here, Prince Charles couldn't believe his eyes. And even Camilla – the usually so cool lady – was stunned with disbelief.
2012 was indeed a wonderful year, and the woman who was once considered somewhat stuffy and perhaps cold in some respects set things right once and for all and became the ultimate heroine in our eyes.