James Bond star Daniel Craig pays tribute to ‘incomparable’ Queen Elizabeth II following her death-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro

Daniel Craig has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, saying she would be ‘profoundly missed’ (Picture: AFP/GETTY / PA )

James Bond icon Daniel Craig has paid tribute to the ‘incomparable’ Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died ‘peacefully’ at her Balmoral residence on Thursday, 8 September, with Buckingam Palace announcing her death later the same day.

The world is reeling from the news, with tributes to the late Queen – who marked her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year – flooding in from world leaders, celebrities and the public.

Now 007 star Craig has offered his condolences to the Royal Family, including her son, now-King Charles and heir to the throne Prince William.

In a statement to the PA news agency, Craig paid tribute to the former monarch, saying she would be ‘profoundly missed.’

‘I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with the royal family, those she loved and all those who loved her,’ he said.

The pair had met on several occasions, with Craig now paying tribute to her ‘incomparable legacy’ (Picture: Getty Images)

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died ‘peacefully’ on Thursday (Picture: UK Press via Getty Images)

‘She leaves an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed.’

Craig and Queen Elizabeth II famously teamed up in 2012 in a skit for the London 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, which saw ‘the Queen’ jump out of a helicopter and parachute into the stadium

The instantly iconic moment was a major highlight of the opening ceremony, however it was revealed only recently that the royal family were kept in the dark about the idea – because the Queen didn’t want them to know.

Craig teamed up with the monarch for an iconic sketch 10 years ago (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Speaking on an episode of BBC Radio Four’s show The Reunion in April, production stage manager Sam Hunter said: ‘The Queen never told her family she was doing it.

‘That was one of the stipulations when she agreed to be part of it but she didn’t want them to know.

‘So if you actually see when she comes and she takes her seat, you can see her family go, “Ah, nice one.”‘

The sketch marked the monarch’s first acting role (Picture: Youtube)

The ‘Queen’ parachuted into the Olympic stadium as part of the James Bond skit (Picture: GETTY IMAGES)

News of the Queen’s death came after it was announced at lunchtime on Thursday that the monarch was under medical supervision.

A statement suggested she was ‘comfortable’ as it was revealed doctors were ‘concerned’ about her health.

The Queen’s four children – Prince Charles, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York, and the Earl of Wessex – rushed to be with her in her final hours.

They were also joined by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex.

Prince Harry was seen arriving at Balmoral later in the evening following the news of her death.

The news was announced by Buckingham Palace at around 6.30pm on Thursday evening, in a statement which read: ‘

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‘The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.’

It has since been confirmed that her son, formerly known as Charles, Prince of Wales, will now ascend the throne as King Charles III.

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