Olympic torch greeted by royals at Buckingham Palace

The torch is on the 69th - and penultimate - day of its journey around the British Isles

The Olympic torch has been welcomed to Buckingham Palace by members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge. Large crowds gathered across London to see the flame on the penultimate day of its journey around the British Isles.

The torch relay also passed through Downing Street, where it was greeted by Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr Cameron earlier said the London Games would show the world "beyond doubt that Britain can deliver".

The flame ended the day in Hyde Park where the final torchbearer lit a cauldron in front of 60,000 people who have gathered for a celebratory concert. London Mayor Boris Johnson wished the crowds a "wonderful" Olympics, and thanked them for their support.
"Are we ready? Yes we are," Mr Johnson said, in a rallying cry to the audience.

On Friday, the Olympics will be officially opened by the Queen and the torch's journey will come to an end during the opening ceremony.

A unanimous decision has been made over who will light the Olympic Stadium's cauldron but it will be kept secret until the ceremony.