The One Joke Queen Elizabeth Made That Daniel Craig Will Never Forget — and How It Revealed Her Humility

Queen Elizabeth II was known to the world as a figure of duty, resilience, and regal poise. But to those who met her, she was often something more — warm, approachable, and unexpectedly funny. Actor Daniel Craig, who famously played James Bond, witnessed that humor firsthand during the filming of their now-iconic 2012 Olympics sketch, and it left a lasting impression.

“Oh No, He’s the One That Doesn’t Smile”

The pair met while filming the London Games opening ceremony skit in which Craig’s Bond escorted the Queen from Buckingham Palace before “parachuting” into the stadium. While posing for official photographs, the Queen turned to Craig and quipped:

“Oh no, he’s the one that doesn’t smile.”

The jab was a playful reference to Bond’s famously stoic demeanor — and by extension, Craig’s own on-screen seriousness. Far from feeling slighted, Craig later told The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that he found it “very funny,” praising her impeccable comedic timing and noting, “She wants to crack a joke, and cracked a joke about me.”

A Glimpse Behind the Crown

Craig’s recollection also included a charming detail: after filming, he spent time rolling around on the floor with the Queen’s beloved corgis, whom he described as “very friendly.” It was a moment that underscored her ability to blend regal formality with genuine warmth, inviting those around her into an atmosphere that was relaxed, even playful.

These small, unguarded interactions humanized a monarch who reigned for 70 years through times of immense national change. They revealed a leader unafraid to bridge the gap between her elevated position and the people — or, in this case, a Hollywood action star — in front of her.

Humor as a Form of Leadership

While the 2012 sketch was initially conceived as a serious piece of Olympic pageantry, the Queen’s charisma turned it into a moment of global delight. Her willingness to take part in a tongue-in-cheek stunt — and to joke with her co-star — reflected a flexibility and self-awareness rare among world leaders.

For Craig, that single line encapsulated her quick wit and humility. For the public, it was a reminder that even in her most formal roles, the Queen understood the unifying power of a well-timed laugh.

Queen Elizabeth II’s humor may have been just one facet of her reign, but as Daniel Craig’s story shows, it was a defining one. In making fun of Bond, she did more than tease an actor — she demonstrated that true nobility lies not just in titles or tradition, but in the ability to connect, disarm, and share a moment of joy.