Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth declares Paralympics open

Aug 30, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

Britain's Queen Elizabeth opened the Paralympic Games in London last night (29.08.12).

The 86-year-old monarch was joined by Prince Edward, Princess Anne, Prince William and Duchess Catherine - who wore a gold coat-dress for the occasion - at the Olympic Park in East London to get the Games officially underway.

She said: 'I declare open the London 2012 Paralympic Games.'

Professor Stephen Hawking opened the show, which strongly featured umbrellas, and Sir Ian McKellen also took a leading role.

Earlier in the evening Queen Elizabeth released a statement saying she was 'looking forward' to the games lifting the spirit of the UK.

She said: 'It is with tremendous pride that the people of London and the United Kingdom welcome the world to the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

'The Games are returning to the country where they first began, more than 60 years ago.

'We look forward to celebrating the uplifting spirit which distinguishes the Paralympic Games from other events, drawing on Britain's unique sporting heritage.'