If you’re a fan of the popular movie series “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” you might be wondering if the real queen made an appearance in “European Vacation.” The answer is both yes and no.
In the film, the Griswold family embarks on a trip across Europe with hilarious results. Along the way, they stop in London and have a chance encounter with a woman who they believe is Queen Elizabeth II.
While the woman does bear a striking resemblance to the queen, it was actually an actress named Jeannette Charles who played the role. Charles was known for her impersonation of Queen Elizabeth II and has appeared in several films and television shows as the monarch.
But while Charles played the queen in “European Vacation,” she wasn’t actually portraying Queen Elizabeth II. Instead, her character was simply referred to as “The Queen.” This was likely done to avoid any legal issues or controversy surrounding the portrayal of a living monarch.
Despite not being the real queen, Charles’ performance was well-received by audiences and helped to add to the comedic charm of the film. Her appearance remains one of the most memorable moments from “European Vacation.”
Overall, while there wasn’t actually a cameo from Queen Elizabeth II in “European Vacation,” Jeannette Charles’ performance as “The Queen” still managed to leave an impression on audiences. It just goes to show that sometimes even an impersonator can be convincing enough to make us believe that royalty is walking among us.
So there you have it – now you know whether or not the real queen appeared in “European Vacation.” While it may not have been Her Majesty herself, Jeannette Charles’ portrayal certainly left its mark on this classic comedy.