Reuters News Service (London) – Buckingham Palace announced today that Queen Elizabeth II will carry the torch into Olympic Stadium and light the flame that burns throughout the 2012 games.
“She may be 86,” said a palace spokesman, “but she showed so much vim and vigor during her diamond jubilee that the Olympic Committee decided, ‘Oh, bloody hell, why not let the old gal have a go at it?’ ”
A Pakistani shopkeeper carrying the torch to the stadium tunnel entrance will pass it to entertainer Elton John. Mr. John will carry the torch into the stadium, pass it to the queen, and give her a big smooch on the cheek.
The queen will then circle the 400-meter track, dodging droppings from live farm animals participating in the opening extravaganza. Finally, she will throw the torch, javelin-style, up to the huge gas-fired flame at the stadium’s rim.
“She may be 86,” said a palace spokesman, “but she showed so much vim and vigor during her diamond jubilee that the Olympic Committee decided, ‘Oh, bloody hell, why not let the old gal have a go at it?’ ”
A Pakistani shopkeeper carrying the torch to the stadium tunnel entrance will pass it to entertainer Elton John. Mr. John will carry the torch into the stadium, pass it to the queen, and give her a big smooch on the cheek.
The queen will then circle the 400-meter track, dodging droppings from live farm animals participating in the opening extravaganza. Finally, she will throw the torch, javelin-style, up to the huge gas-fired flame at the stadium’s rim.
