The British monarch announced that the Queen will open both the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics this summer. It will be the first time the queen has opened the Paralympic Games.
The queen had often honoured Paralympians for their achievements in the past.
Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, will perform the ceremonial role at the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium when the Olympic games begin on July 27.
The queen is following in the footsteps of her father, the late King George VI, who opened the 1948 London Olympics, Queen Elizabeth also opened the 1976 Games in Canada, and the queen will send her children and grandchildren on official visits to many Commonwealth countries rather than undertake the strenuous voyages herself.
The queen marks her 60 years on the throne this year.
The monarch, 85, and Philip, 90, are planning an extensive tour of the United Kingdom during the celebrations, including visits to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Philip is planning to stick to the schedule despite his December heart scare, which required the insertion of a stent to keep his coronary arteries open.
Celebrations will include a gala concert in front of Buckingham Palace with performances by Paul McCartney and Elton John and a carriage procession through the streets of London following a service of thanksgiving.
Elizabeth will open Buckingham Palace to visitors from June 30-July 8 to accommodate Olympic activities. The palace then will close for a few weeks before opening to the public as is the monarch’s usual summer practice.
Some 4,200 athletes will take part in the Paralympics Games from August 29 to September 9. The event marks the return of the games.
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