The real parachuting Queen at London Olympics opening ceremony
We were almost fooled when at the Olympic opening
ceremony a chopper loomed into view and out jumped Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth with James Bond in tow. I am sure we all guessed
that it wasn't really the Queen parachuting in, game as she is, but
I was curious to know who was the parachuting royal
impersonator?
Well all is revealed as I have just been sent these
pictures by the English-owned watch house Bremont as the
cross-dressing (temporarily I hasten to add to avoid a libel suit)
parachutist is none other than Gary Connery. You may know his name
as he is the first man to have jumped out of a helicopter
with a wing suit and no parachute earlier this year in May in
Henley.
Bremont, founded by brothers Nick and Giles English
(read more by clicking here) were delighted to
support the Henley based stuntman and he continues to be an avid
friend of the brand and wear their watches, including for this high
profile moment. Alongside him in the helicopter was Mark
Sutton who played Bond. I love the fact that Gary is dressed
exactly like the Queen, down to the jewels. And that isn't his real
hair, it is a well-fastened wig and his fluttering feather hair
piece stayed put during the jump. Also notice the plush cream
leather interior of what must be the Queen's own
helicopter.
Gary apparently told the press that he thinks he may
have been chosen for his Queen-style legs that were certainly on
full view to the world as the crowds looked up to see 'the Queen'
descend from the skies with a Union Jack parachute billowing behind
her. Gary had to be sewn into the salmon pink dress and I think he
did a great job at being a Queen for the day.