27 July 2012 Last updated at 13:32

In pictures: Olympic flame travels along Thames

Security staff light the torch for Torchbearer 001 Rosie Hynes at Bushy Park, at the beginning of day 70 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay

The opening day of the London 2012 Olympics began with the lighting of the torch which is on the last leg of its 70-day journey around the country.

Olympic flame on the Queen's rowbarge Gloriana

The Olympic flame was then taken along the Thames on the Queen's rowbarge Gloriana which made its way to Tower Bridge.

The flame then made its way on board the Queen's row barge, Gloriana, where it was lit by gold medallist rower Sir Matthew Pinsent.

The Queen's rowbarge Gloriana carries the Olympic flame along the river Thames

Speaking in Downing Street, Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain was ready to welcome "the greatest show on earth".

Crowds line the banks of the river Thames

Crowds line the banks of the Thames as they watch the Olympic flame on the Queen's rowbarge.

A flotilla of boats accompanied the Queen's rowbarge as it carried the Olympic flame along the river Thames from Hampton Court.

The Queen's royal rowbarge Gloriana carries the Olympic flame along the river Thames past the Houses of Parliament

Mayor of London Boris Johnson told the programme: "What's so amazing is just the wave of excitement seems to pass from person to person like some benign form of contagion. Everybody is getting it."

The Olympic flame arrived at Tower Bridge alongside City Hall where it will "rest" before emerging to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony.

In Pictures

In pictures: Olympic flame travels along Thames

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