The torch boarded the row barge Gloriana at Hampton Court Palace for its journey along the River Thames to London’s iconic Tower Bridge, ahead of its final appearance at the Stratford stadium this evening where the flame will be lit by a mystery VIP at the hotly anticipated Opening Ceremony. Thousands of flag-waving spectators lined the river bank, and some stood knee deep in the water, (left) to catch a glimpse of the famous flame on the last leg of its historic 8,000 mile journey. The last land-based torch bearer was four-time Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent, (right) who carried the flame on to the £1million vessel, last seen during the rain-soaked Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pageant.
