Olympics Opening Ceremony: James Bond and the Queen arrive by parachute

In an opening ceremony watched by an estimated one billion people around the world, the head of the British monarchy -- Queen Elizabeth II -- arrived in high style. High in the air, that is. She parachuted in with James Bond himself, actor Daniel Craig.

The stunt began with a pre-recorded skit directed by Danny Boyle in which Her Majesty notified 007 that his new mission (should he choose to accept it?) has to launch the Olympiad.

Then the two leapt onto a helicopter as the Queen's Corgis barked below and made their way to the Olympic Stadium where Craig and the Queen (in the form of stuntmen) parachuted to the ground to the James bond theme. Their parachutes were, of course, made from huge Union Jacks.