Daniel Craig famously starred in a comedic sketch with Queen Elizabeth II during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Summer Olympics. In it, Craig donned his 007 guise and was seen jumping out a helicopter with her majesty.
The actor referenced this interlude while paying tribute to the queen in a pre-recorded video during the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace concert. He was joined by a host of famous actors, musicians and sportspeople in expressing their thanks to the monarch as she celebrates her platinum jubilee.
“Your Majesty, thank you for your continued presence in our lives, for your leadership and for your unwavering grace and poise,” said Craig. “I will follow you anywhere ma’am, out of any helicopter door.”
Former US first lady Michelle Obama appeared in the the video praising the queen for the kindness she had shown her and her family. “I want to thank you for your genuine warmth to our entire family. Whether you were welcoming a nervous first lady to Buckingham Palace for the first time, or your extraordinary kindness toward our children.
“I feel deeply honoured to have spent time with you over the years. Thank you Ma’am, for your remarkable example,” said Obama.
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The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla during the Big Jubilee Lunch, with tables set up on the pitch at The Oval cricket ground in London on day four of the platinum jubilee celebrations. PA -
People set up tables for the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. Millions of people are expected to attend 'Big Jubilee Lunch' picnics as the long weekend of festivities to honour the queen's platinum jubilee concludes. AFP -
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrives for the Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval cricket ground. AP Photo -
People gather for the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP -
Britain's Princess Beatrice, centre, and Princess Eugenie are presented with flowers as they arrive at the Big Jubilee Lunch organised by Westminster Council for local volunteer and community groups. AP Photo -
Participants pose for a picture with a cardboard cut-out of the queen on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP -
A reveller arrives to attend a street party in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in central England as part of the platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP -
Prince Charles looks at decorations at The Oval cricket ground. Reuters -
A picnic table is decorated with cut-outs depicting Britain's Queen Elizabeth in Windsor. Reuters -
People dance at Blackpool Tower Ballroom during the platinum jubilee celebrations. Reuters -
A woman celebrating ahead of the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP -
A man dressed as a king hangs decorations as he takes part in the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. Reuters -
Spectators cross the Mall before the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace on day four of the celebrations. PA -
Balloons are hung ahead of the Big Jubilee Lunch on The Long Walk in Windsor. AFP -
People pose for selfies on the Mall ahead of the start of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in front of Buckingham Palace. PA -
Performers dressed as farm animals parade during the Platinum Pageant in London. EPA -
Performers on the 1960s bus take part in the Platinum Pageant. AFP -
Performers take part in the Platinum Pageant in London as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. AFP -
Former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew and opera singer Katherine Jenkins arrive at the pageant. PA -
Performers in the pageant. AFP -
TV presenter Timmy Mallett at the pageant. PA -
TV presenters John Craven, Chris Tarrant and Johnny Ball at the pageant. PA -
A participant prepares for the pageant. PA -
Sir Cliff Richard climbs onboard the 1950s bus at Horse Guards Parade for the pageant. PA -
People take part in a parade during the pageant. Getty -
Prince Louis sat on the knee of his grandfather the Prince of Wales during the pageant. PA -
Naomi Campbell and Kanya King on a bus as part of the pageant. Getty -
Princess Charlotte, Prince George and their father Prince William enjoy the pageant. PA -
Members of the public watch the pageant in Westminster, London. PA -
Revellers celebrate near Windsor Castle, Britain. EPA -
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and her son Prince George. AFP -
Model Kate Moss and actress Patsy Kensit during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace. AP -
People parade during the pageant. AP -
Girls climb a street sign for a better view of the parade in London. PA -
A cut out of Queen Elizabeth II in a window near Windsor Castle. EPA -
Performers from Edinburgh Festival Carnival entertain the crowds in Princess Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland, during a platinum jubilee event. PA -
Children enjoy a street party in Edinburgh. PA -
Actress Joan Collins at the London pageant. EPA -
People take part in The Big Lunch on the Long Walk, Windsor Castle. EPA -
A woman participates in the Windsor Castle event. EPA -
Vintage cars in front of Buckingham Palace during the London pageant. PA -
Singer Katherine Jenkins at the pageant. AFP -
A dog wearing a crown at the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. Getty -
People parade during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London. AP Photo -
Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, pose for a photo with attendees of the Big Jubilee Lunch in Windsor. AFP -
A hologram of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is projected on the Gold State Coach during the pageant in London. AFP
Julie Andrews expressed her thanks for the queen’s unwavering years of service, saying: “Your Majesty, you were so young when you ascended the throne, and you have dedicated yourself to our country and the Commonwealth ever since. I think I speak for everyone when I say a wholehearted thank you, ma’am.”
Sporting stars such as Sir Mo Farah, tennis player Emma Raducanu, Olympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds and footballer David Beckham were also among the famous faces delivering messages to the queen. “Thank you ma’am for your dedication, your service and for everything that you represent. Our country owes you so much,” said Beckham.
These sentiments were shared by Dame Judi Dench, who heralded the “dedication and the devotion and the love and the care” she has shown the nation over the past 70 years.
