London Olympics 2012 Opening Ceremony In Pictures

The Olympic cauldron is seen alight as fireworks are set off during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium

Britain's David Beckham (C) drives a powerboat with the Olympic torch as fireworks are launched over Tower Bridge during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games

National flags are displayed during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

Flag bearer Mariel Zagunis of the U.S. holds the national flag as she leads the contingent in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

Performers wearing wings cycle in the arena during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

A performer on a rope is seen near a large industrial chimney during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

Britain's Queen Elizabeth officially opens the Olympic Games as Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Cameron's wife Samantha, British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Chairman of the London Organising Committee Sebastian Coe and other members of the audience look on during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic cauldron is seen alight during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium July 27, 2012.

The Olympic cauldron is seen alight as fireworks explode during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

The Olympic cauldron is seen alight during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

Fireworks at the end of the opening ceremony at the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London