Queen to visit top of Orbit tower at Olympic Park

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is about to scale new heights.

Royal officials say the queen will whizz to the top of London's Orbit tower during a visit to the Olympic Park on Saturday.

The queen and her husband, Prince Philip, will take in the panoramic views from atop the 115 meter (380 foot) landmark.

The tower — a ruby red mass of twisting steel that some have likened to a crushed rollercoaster — has divided opinion: some say bold, others eyesore. The queen will be accompanied by her daughter, Princess Anne, but not by her oldest son, Prince Charles, a vocal opponent of edgy modern architecture.

The royals also are due to meet competitors and catering staff at the athletes village.

The games run Friday to Aug. 12.