Royal Watch News

Queen's stunt double's 'crazy' life

Jul 30, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Queen Elizabeth at the Opening Ceremony

Queen Elizabeth's stunt double can't imagine how 'crazy' the real monarch's life is.

Gary Connery parachuted into the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London, dressed to look like the monarch during the opening ceremony of the Games on Friday (27.07.12), and the stunt has since made him famous.

While he is enjoying the attention he can't believe just how busy it must be for the queen herself.

He tweeted: 'Let another crazy day in the life of the Queens stunt double begin What must life be like for the Queen herself, more crazy!!

'Never thought that the queenie jump would have such impact What a year (sic).'

Gary wore a dress and headpiece for his jump to make it look as though the British monarch was parachuting into the stadium, and he was hoping to keep the gown afterwards so he could wear it out on the town.

When asked if he kept the dress, he said: 'I wish I did. I did ask and I would have worn it out on Henley-on-Thames because I'm well known there now, so I would have had a night out in the dress but no - they didn't let me keep it.'

The stunt saw the queen make her acting debut in a short film starring alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig, which saw them get into a helicopter at Buckingham Palace and later appear to jump out into the stadium.

Speaking about his experience, Gary added: 'Last night was amazing. It's the greatest show on earth. To be an intrinsic part of that and to be asked to be the queen on her arrival is amazing.

'Obviously everyone knew it was a gag but what it did for me was real and it was an amazing experience. To jump out of a helicopter over 80,000 live crowd and in front of I don't know how many millions. It's something I'll always remember.'