James Bond star Daniel Craig pays tribute to ‘incomparable’ Queen after they starred together at 2012 Olympics
DANIEL Craig has paid tribute to "incomparable" Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96.
The Queen stole the show in the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, where Daniel — as James Bond — was seen arriving at Buckingham Palace to escort the monarch into a chopper.
Her Majesty died peacefully at the age of 96 yesterday, with her family by her side.
In a heartwarming statement to the PA news agency, Daniel said he was "saddened" by the news as he paid tribute to the Queen.
The actor said: "I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with the royal family, those she loved and all those who loved her."
Daniel added: "She leaves an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed."
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The sketch he filmed with the Queen was featured in London's 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
It saw the Queen and fictional spy 007 leave Buckingham Palace in a helicopter and parachute into the stadium.
Her Majesty delivered the line “Good evening, Mr Bond” before her stunt double was seen leaping out of the aircraft over the stadium in Stratford, before The Queen herself arrived to take her seat, with the Duke of Edinburgh alongside her.
The scene became iconic and was later revealed that the royal family were kept in the dark about the idea, because the Queen didn’t want them to know.
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It was revealed that the Queen insisted on delivering the classic line “Good evening, Mr Bond”.
Her Majesty told aides the other option — “Good evening, James” — would not chime with the spy film franchise.
Royal aide Angela Kelly said how Her Majesty was “very amused” by film director Danny Boyle’s idea — put to her in 2011 — and agreed immediately.
She added: “I asked then if she would like a speaking part. Without hesitation, Her Majesty replied: ‘Of course I must say something. After all, he is coming to rescue me.’
“I asked whether she would like to say: ‘Good evening, James,’ or ‘Good evening, Mr Bond,’ and she chose the latter, knowing the Bond films.”
Buckingham Palace confirmed the news yesterday, announcing the longest-serving monarch in British history, has died aged 96.
King Charles will address the nation later today in his first speech since the death of his mother.
Charles III, paid tribute yesterday saying: "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
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A period of mourning for the royal family will begin from today until seven days after the Queen's funeral, Buckingham Palace have confirmed.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King's wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral."
