Have you ever watched the classic comedy movie, European Vacation? If you have, you may have noticed a cameo appearance from a certain royal figure. But was it actually the real queen?
Let’s first give a quick recap of the scene. The Griswold family, including Clark (played by Chevy Chase) and his wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo), are in London and decide to visit Buckingham Palace. As they are standing outside the gates, a woman who appears to be Queen Elizabeth II steps out of her car and greets them before walking into the palace.
So, was that actually the real Queen Elizabeth II? The answer is no. The woman in the scene was actually an actress named Jeanette Charles who has been frequently employed to impersonate Queen Elizabeth II in various films and television shows.
This is not uncommon in the film industry as using impersonators helps to save time and money on filming schedules. However, it is important to note that using an impersonator does not necessarily mean that it takes away from the authenticity of a film or scene.
In fact, Charles did such an impeccable job at portraying Queen Elizabeth II that she went on to reprise her role in several other productions such as Austin Powers in Goldmember and Johnny English.
It’s worth mentioning that Buckingham Palace has strict rules against filming inside their premises without prior permission, which is why most films featuring scenes inside Buckingham Palace are shot on sets or in other locations.
In conclusion, while it wasn’t actually the real Queen Elizabeth II that made an appearance in European Vacation, Jeanette Charles did a fantastic job at playing her role as an impersonator. It just goes to show how much talent can go into impersonating someone so iconic!
- Key Takeaways:
- The queen who appeared in European Vacation was not actually Queen Elizabeth II.
- The woman in the scene was an actress named Jeanette Charles who frequently impersonates the Queen.
- Using impersonators is a common practice in the film industry and can help save time and money on filming schedules.
- Buckingham Palace has strict rules against filming inside their premises without prior permission.
Impersonator or Not, She Was Great!
While it may have been disappointing to some fans that the real Queen Elizabeth II did not make an appearance, there’s no denying that Jeanette Charles did a fantastic job at portraying her. In fact, she became so well-known for her impersonation that she was even invited to perform for the Queen herself at a private party.
Ultimately, whether it’s the real queen or an impersonator, we can all appreciate the effort and talent that goes into bringing such iconic figures to life on screen.