The Olympic Flame has complete its journey around Greece and will now embark on its 70 day tour around Britain before the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The AFP reports that the flame touched down at the Royal Naval Air Station at Culdrose in Cornwall, England, earlier today. Princess Anne, the daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, carried the Olympic flame off of the plane in a specially designed lantern.
Princess Anne was accompanied by David Beckham, Olympics organiser Lord Coe, Olympics minister Hugh Robertson, and London mayor Boris Johnson.
Beckham, who used the flame to light the torch which will be carried around Britain, said:
“I’ve never performed at an Olympic Games. But to be part of this is something very special. We’ve got some very special people carrying the torch, and it’s going to be a proud moment for them. If I was to be one of those carrying in London, it would be very special for me.”
Lord Coe added :
“The arrival of the Olympic Flame on home soil is a magical moment for any host country. It will connect millions of people around the UK to the Games in a unique way and allows us to celebrate the best of the UK and its people.”
The Olympic Flame will now start its 70-day, 8000 mile journey around the UK. Sailor Ben Ainslie, a three-time gold medalist, will be the first to carry the torch.
