She will hail the "splendid summer of sport" and highlight how the sportsmen and women allowed spectators to feel part of the "excitement and drama" of the Games

During the address, which is due to be broadcast tomorrow, the Queen will say: "As London hosted a splendid summer of sport, all those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes.

"In pursuing their own sporting goals, they gave the rest of us the opportunity to share something of the excitement and drama."

The Queen herself played a starring role at the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony as she appeared in a segment with James Bond, who was played by Daniel Craig.

In the segment, the Queen appears to parachute into the Olympic Stadium alongside Bond.


The Queen officially opened both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, while the Olympic Park in Stratford is set to be reopened next year as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in her honour.

The Royal Christmas Message will mark the end of an eventful year for the Queen that saw her celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in June shortly before the start of London 2012.

She also became the first British monarch to reach a 65th wedding anniversary.

The Royal Christmas Message first began in 1932 with a radio broadcast by George V, the Queen's father.

The Royal Christmas Message has been made by the Queen every year since her accession in February 1952, except in 1969, when there was no broadcast.

This year will mark the first time ever that the address will be broadcast in 3D.

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