Queen’s Olympic parachute jump even kept secret from Cabinet
THE QUEEN’S “jump” from a helicopter to open the 2012 London Olympics was so secret that even Cabinet ministers could not be trusted, in case of leaks.
One of the Queen’s stipulations when she agreed to take part was that the stunt would be kept from everyone – especially her family.
So the head of the Olympics ceremonies Stephen Daldry had to keep David Cameron’s government in the dark over fears the Queen’s role would be leaked.
Radio 4’sthe Reunion heard the Queen thought it was a great joke to play on her grandchildren and she excitedly ran to watch from a little window as her stunt double jumped into the stadium before she made her entrance.
Mr Daldry, 61, also recalled how he averted a hitch in the opening ceremony when he was forced to slap Muhammad Ali hard across the face. He was trying to revive the ex-boxer after he took too much of his Parkinson’s medication.
The award-winning theatre and film director then described how he was prepared to run on in case Ali fell out of his buggy in front of a global audience of millions.
Speaking of the royal stunt, Mr Daldry told Kirsty Wark: “I think the Queen was quite amused at the idea, we were quite surprised she agreed to do the jump.
“But they have a tradition of practical jokes and I think for her it was a really good one, about the grandchildren not knowing she was going to do it.”
He added: “You did not want to say too much to the Cabinet because you did not know how secure they were. I didn’t like to say she would jump out of a helicopter because I was not sure they would keep their mouths shut.”
Crowds watched in amazement on the night as a pre-recorded film showed Daniel Craig, as Bond, walk the corridors of Buckingham Palace before meeting the Queen.
Her Majesty and 007 board a helicopter for a ride over London before hovering over the Olympic Stadium.the famous Bond theme tune plays out as a figure who appeared to be Her Majesty pulls open a Union Jack parachute and lands just outside the stadium.
The Queen then enters the royal box before addressing the crowd.
The Reunion, R4, 11am today