Will Opening Ceremony cameo get Queen an Equity card?
The Queen’s appearance in the Olympic opening ceremony grabbed the whole world’s attention – and also marked her debut as a professional actor.
Seizing his moment, Equity President Malcolm Sinclair wrote a rather charming letter to HRH inviting her to join up and enjoy the benefits of unionisation:
“Her Majesty The Queen made a huge impact with Her Majesty’s performance on screen as part of the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Type casting it may have been, but Her Majesty’s completely natural performance has given enormous pleasure worldwide.
“Her Majesty The Queen made a huge impact with Her Majesty’s performance on screen as part of the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Type casting it may have been, but Her Majesty’s completely natural performance has given enormous pleasure worldwide.
“Such has been the impact, that, a further career perhaps being a possibility, would Her Majesty consider becoming a member of Equity?
“Her Majesty’s professional name would ensure that all royalties (no pun intended), owed for future work would be paid through the Union… Accident and backstage insurance… We now operate a pension scheme to which all our major employers have signed up… and digs lists, invaluable if Her Majesty were to embark on tour.”
Though Buckingham Palace acknowledged receipt of the letter, the Queen is yet to respond to her invitation.
