The Queen has undertaken a series of engagements in London today linked with the city's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
Escorted by Lord Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), one of the Queen's appointments saw her meet the children from Langdon School in East Ham who travelled to Singapore with Coe and the bid team to take part in the final presentation to the International Olympic Committee.
The Queen then visited the construction site of the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link in Stratford before heading to Holden Point, where she could observe the site of the planned Olympic Park, which will eventually incorporate both the Olympic Village and the Olympic Stadium as well as many of the other Games' venues.
“The Queen’s visit to the Olympic Park today marks another early milestone in planning and preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games,” said Coe.
“The Queen and Royal Family were strong supporters of London’s bid and it was a delight to show Her Majesty how the Olympic Park site has continued to develop since winning the bid.”
The Queen was joined on her tour by a delegation including culture secretary and Olympic minister Tessa Jowell, London Mayor Ken Livingstone, and Colin Moynihan, who was recently appointed as the new chair of the British Olympic Association.
“There may be almost seven years to go but we've no time to lose," said Jowell.
"We have got off to a flying start – our Olympics Bill is being debated by MPs tomorrow; key contracts have been let and top-drawer staff will be picked soon to run the Olympic Delivery Authority and London's Organising Committee. We are also working hard to make sure the benefits of the Games spread right across the country."