James Bond actor Daniel Craig reveals the ‘very funny’ joke Queen Elizabeth II made at his expense
MEETING the Queen is a memorable moment for many people – and that is certainly the case for actor Daniel Craig.
The James Bond star recalled a “very funny” joke that the late monarch once made at his expense.
While appearing on The Late Show, Daniel reminisced about meeting the Queen when they filmed their iconic, light-hearted sketch for the 2012 London Olympics.
Speaking to host Stephen Colbert, the actor said: “We were having our photograph taken, and she just went, ‘Oh no, he’s the one that doesn’t smile.’”
Daniel added that Queen Elizabeth II was “very funny, wants to crack a joke, and crack a joke about me”.
Stephen then asked Daniel what the Queen’s pet corgis were like during their meeting.
The Hollywood star recalled: “I was rolling around on the floor with them most of the time.
“I mean, they’re just there. I think they have their own footmen. They’re very friendly.”
In December 2021, Daniel was awarded the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George in the New Year’s Honours List, which is an honour typically given to diplomats and spies.
His character, James Bond, who he played from 2006 to 2021, also receives the same honour in No Time to Die.
On September 8, 2022, the royal family announced that the Queen had peacefully passed away at Balmoral at the age of 96.
Daniel was among A-listers paying tribute to the “incomparable” monarch.
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.”
The sketch he filmed with the Queen was featured in London’s 2012 Olympics and saw Daniel arrive at Buckingham Palace to escort the monarch into a chopper.
It saw the Queen and fictional spy 007 leave Buckingham Palace in a helicopter and parachute into the stadium for the opening ceremony.
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.
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.”