Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth praises Team GB athletes

Aug 13, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth has praised Team GB's Olympic athletes.

Speaking ahead of the closing ceremony yesterday (12.08.12), the 86-year-old monarch - who took part in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games - congratulated the competitors who took part.

She said: 'As the 2012 London Olympic Games come to a close, I offer my congratulations to the athletes of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, whose efforts across the range of Olympic disciplines have truly captured the public's imagination and earned their admiration.

'The outstanding performance of Team GB, in achieving the greatest Olympic success since 1908, will, I am sure, have inspired a new generation of Olympians and reminded us all how sport unifies communities and nations.'

The queen also praised those who put together the spectacular sporting event and wished the competitors at the upcoming Paralympic Games 'every success'.

She said: 'I congratulate, too, the organisers of the Games, as well as the thousands of volunteers who have epitomised the Olympic spirit through the warm welcome they have shown to the sporting teams and spectators from all around the world.

'As a nation, we now look forward to the Paralympic Games and wish all athletes every success.'