The Queen has congratulated British competitors for their success at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Team GB has had its best Olympic medal performance for 100 years with 19 golds and 47 in total.
The Queen said she had been impressed by British and Commonwealth athletes in China, and was looking forward to the 2012 Games in London.
The Beijing closing ceremony will take place on Sunday when the Olympics will be handed over to London.
'Golden triumphs'
The Queen said: "As the Olympic Games in Beijing draw to a close, I have been particularly impressed First Olympic gold medal goes to Czech Republic ...
German Athletes Feel the Pressure of Olympic Gold ...
Beijing 'failing pollution test' ...
Afghans seize 'largest drug haul' ... by the British and Commonwealth athletes who have taken part in this memorable competition and who have contributed so much to the spirit of these remarkable Games in the various disciplines.
"Like so many people around the world, I have followed their endeavours with great interest and admiration."
The Queen said she sent her "warmest congratulations" to all the participants, and those who had supported them.
She added: "As a nation we now look forward to holding the Olympic Games in London in 2012.
"The golden triumphs of the present British team can only serve as further inspiration to those who will be working hard over the next four years to make the London Games a shining example of Olympic success."
Honours promised
London Mayor Boris Johnson will receive the Olympic flag at the closing ceremony which will include an eight-minute slot dedicated to the 2012 Games.
Footballer David Beckham and cyclists Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade will take part, and there will be performances by musicians Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis.
At the same time a handover party will be held outside Buckingham Palace with a concert featuring Will Young, James Morrison, McFly, The Feeling and Scouting for Girls.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in Beijing for the closing ceremony, has said the honours system would recognise the success of Great Britain's Olympic team.
The Cabinet Office said the sports honours committee would meet in September before the New Year's honours list is announced at the end of December.
Britain's Olympians will attend a Downing Street reception on their return to the UK, and a victory parade for the team will be held in London on 16 October.
(BBC)
<< Back