Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth to open Paralympics tonight

Aug 29, 2012, 12:02 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will open the Paralympic Games in London tonight (29.08.12).

The 86-year-old monarch - who played a hilarious cameo with Daniel Craig at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in July - will be joined by her grandson, Prince William, and his wife Duchess Catherine at the event at the stadium in Stratford, East London.

A crowd of 80,000 is expected at the venue, with performances from the likes of actor Sir Ian McKellen and singer Beverley Knight.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: 'It is a very moving, thoughtful and poignant show. It really celebrates the spirit of humanity and what we can achieve.

'It is very different from the Olympics ceremony, but just as colourful, dramatic and exciting. And of course Sir Ian gives the show a real Hollywood feel.'

Professor Stephen Hawking is believed to be providing the voiceover for the show.

The British Paralympic team are hoping to better their medal haul from the Beijing Games in 2008 which saw them come second in the table ahead of the US.