Olympics Opening Ceremony British And Brilliant (Photos)

The London 2012 Olympic Games have begun with the toll of a bell, a James Bond-style arrival by the queen and a spectacular Opening Ceremony which culminated in a breathtaking burst of flame as 204 individual copper petals formed the Olympic Cauldron.

The Olympic flame burns in the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images