Queen Elizabeth II to Open 2012 Olympics in London on July 27

Queen Elizabeth II will open both the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in this summer, signaling that both events will be celebrated as great state occasions something the British are famous for.

It is the first time the queen has opened the Paralympic Games, though she has often honored Paralympians for their achievements in the past.

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, 2012 in London, UK and for the Paralympic Games on August 29, 2012.