The Olympic Torch will be coming to Elmbridge early tomorrow morning (Friday).

The flame will spend part of the final day of its journey towards the London 2012 opening ceremony at Hampton Court Palace in East Molesey.

Torchbearers will guide it through the grounds of the palace – including the famous maze – to the bank of the Thames.

It will then be carried onto Gloriana, the royal row barge, and rowed down the river.

This is not Hampton Court Palace’s only involvement with this summer’s Olympic Games.

On Saturday and Sunday (July 28 and 29), athletes taking part in the men’s and women’s cycling road races will pass the historic home of Henry VIII.

Then, on August 1, the Olympic cycling time trials will start and finish at the palace.

Paul Gray is palaces group director for Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that manages Hampton Court Palace.

“We are delighted to guide the Olympic flame through the grounds of Hampton Court Palace,” he said.

“The iconic status and historic significance of this palace make it the ideal place for the torch to transition onto the River Thames and enter the home straight of its Olympic journey.

“We are also honoured to have been chosen as an official 2012 venue and we look forward to welcoming the cycling time trials event to Hampton Court Palace.”