The members of the royal family will greet the Olympic Torch bearers when they pass through Buckingham Palace on July 26, en route to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London.

Prince William, his wife Catherine and Prince Harry will be amongst the royal witnesses to cheer for the prestigious relay on the eve of London 2012, according to sources.

Involvement of the royal family in the Olympics dates back to 1908, when Edward VIII opened the Games in London. Later George VI and Prince Philip officially inaugurated the London and Melbourne Olympic Games in 1948 and 1956 respectively. 20 years later in Montreal, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Games.

This year, the Queen will welcome the Olympic Torch bearers at her residence on July 10, sources close to the royal family revealed, adding that the relay is expected to pass through the Balmoral Estate and the Sandringham Estate as well.

The Buckingham Palace is yet to leak details about the royal family’s involvement in the Games, although a spokesman at St James’ Palace said the event on July 26 will be consistent with the Games’ symbolic aspects.

“The Queen will see the torch the next day at the opening ceremony and has asked three senior members of her family, who are already ambassadors, to welcome the torch to her residence”, the spokesman said.

The 70-day relay will cover 8, 000 miles, visiting well-known places across the country, a Games spokesman said, adding that the authorities are very excited to have the royal family involved in the event.

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