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British Royals

Ten years on from the moment The Queen parachuted into royal history

By
27th July 2022

It was a moment that took the world by surprise and it’s now a decade old. It’s exactly ten years since The Queen took a starring role in one of the most famous Olympics opening ceremonies of all time.

On July 27th 2012, all eyes were on London for the inauguration of the Summer Games. A spectacular event, directed by Oscar winner Danny Boyle, was lined up with tens of thousands in the stadium joined by a global audience of millions. All of them were expecting something special but no one was expecting the guest of honour, Elizabeth II, to arrive in such a memorable manner.

As the ceremony unfolded, the action moved to Buckingham Palace where a footman walked calmly to one of its famous rooms accompanied by a celebrated face. James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, paced along the corridors, a man with a mission. They entered a room as a clock struck to see a woman, in peach, writing at a desk. It was clearly meant to be the Monarch but no one really expected what happened next. The figure turned to reveal that The Queen herself was taking part in this new James Bond tale.

Off Elizabeth II strode, corgis at her feet, Bond at her side and if there was the slightest hint of a smile on her face, it was no surprise. The Queen had just pulled a move no one saw coming. But that was just the start. Her Majesty and her fictional secret agent headed for a helicopter as all eyes turned again to the stadium. Another helicopter hovered overhead before what appeared to be Elizabeth II and James Bond parachuting in to start the Olympic party.

There was another muted grin as The Queen walked into the royal box to huge cheers and applause. It was a totally unexpected start to an event years in the planning and filled with fun. While everyone expected a heartfelt speech and pride in a national success story, no one thought Elizabeth II would show her enthusiasm for one of the biggest sporting and cultural events of her historic reign with such panache. It has become one of the most famous parts of her epic reign.

Ten years on, it remains a special royal moment and one of the images of a time when London welcomed the world for a sporting event like no other.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.