RON HOWARD leaving his hotel for the filming of controversial movie 'The Da Vinci Code', England - 16.08.05 and The Westminster Abbey

The director had hoped to film scenes at the famous English landmark, which featured in DAN BROWN's bestselling novel, but he was forced to change plans when QUEEN ELIZABETH II's aides said no.

He says, "It's the royal family's place of worship, it's under royal jurisdiction. I got the feeling they just didn't need any more controversy.

"I think they felt that if it was going to invite even a modicum of additional scrutiny or eyebrow-raising in the press, who needs it?"