In her role as President of the Swiss Confederation, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf will attend the opening ceremony at London's Olympic Stadium on Friday. Beforehand, she and other heads of state present will be welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace.

On Saturday, 28 July, President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and the Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Kingdom, Anton Thalmann, will be hosting a reception at the House of Switzerland, the official Swiss hospitality centre for the duration of the Olympic Games. Guests from the worlds of politics, culture and sport are expected at the event.

"It is an honour for me to go to London to represent Switzerland at the opening of the Olympic Games and support our athletes", said President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf. "Moreover, it is a great opportunity to visit the House of Switzerland, which is showcasing Switzerland's diversity for the many visitors in London this summer." President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf will stay in the Olympic host city until Sunday.

The House of Switzerland has been created in and around Glaziers Hall near London Bridge. The public area between the adjacent Southwark Cathedral and the Thames will also be used for public viewings, concerts and medal celebrations. The neighbouring pub under London Bridge has been transformed into a Bernese chalet for the duration of the Games. The catering establishment of Anton Mosimann, the Michelin-starred Swiss chef, will serve culinary delights to House of Switzerland guests.

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