Metal queen: Elizabeth II to scale steel landmark the Orbit tower on visit to Olympic Park

LONDON – 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 metre (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.

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