It was a moment that took the world by surprise and, as the Olympics get under way again, it’s a stand out memory of the Games. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II took a starring role in one of the most famous Olympics opening ceremonies of all time.

On July 27th 2012, all eyes were on London for the inauguration of the Summer Games. A spectacular event, directed by Oscar winner Danny Boyle, was lined up with tens of thousands in the stadium joined by a global audience of millions.

All of them were expecting something special but no one was expecting the guest of honour, Elizabeth II, to arrive in such a memorable manner.

As the ceremony unfolded, the action moved to Buckingham Palace where a footman walked calmly to one of its famous rooms accompanied by a celebrated face. James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, paced along the corridors, a man with a mission. They entered a room as a clock struck to see a woman, in peach, writing at a desk. It was clearly meant to be the Monarch but no one really expected what happened next. The figure turned to reveal that Queen Elizabeth II herself was taking part in this new James Bond tale.

Off Elizabeth II strode, corgis at her feet, Bond at her side and if there was the slightest hint of a smile on her face, it was no surprise. Queen Elizabeth II had just pulled a move no one saw coming. But that was just the start. Her Majesty and her fictional secret agent headed for a helicopter as all eyes turned again to the stadium. Another helicopter hovered overhead before what appeared to be Elizabeth II and James Bond parachuting in to start the Olympic party.

There was another muted grin as Queen Elizabeth II walked into the royal box to huge cheers and applause. It was a totally unexpected start to an event years in the planning and filled with fun. While everyone expected a heartfelt speech and pride in a national success story, no one thought Elizabeth II would show her enthusiasm for one of the biggest sporting and cultural events of her historic reign with such panache. It became one of the most famous parts of her epic reign.

Twelve years on, it remains a special royal moment and one of the images of a time when London welcomed the world for a sporting event like no other.