Royal British Legion critical of 'Skyfall' scenes (spoilers)

The Telegraph, the Royal British Legion worry that the sequence filmed at the Old Navy College, London, earlier this month may cause distress for the families of returned servicemen and women.

The scene, which takes place early in the film, features the funeral of eight individuals who died in the service of their country. Several reports, including an official still from the @007 twitter account, reveal coffins draped in the Union Jack.

"The last thing we want is a glitzy film," says its Royal Wootton Bassett spokesman. "Attending the repatriations started as a pure and simple tribute. How are the mothers and fathers of the fallen soldiers going to feel when they see this on the big screen? It is cashing in on people’s grief and is just cynical."

Details of precisely who dies and in what circumstances are minimal but according consulting funeral director Roger Smith, "There were eight hearses and two limousines." Judi Dench was on hand, watching amongst "about 400" extras.

“The annoying thing was that the directors didn’t seem aware of the protocol for English funerals,” he says. “They wanted to do a Wootton Bassett-type scene, but had no master of ceremonies in front of the cortege to give the right speed. It was a real shame, a missed opportunity.”

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