Shard opens to public

It wasn't the clearest morning for panoramic views of the capital, but that didn't stop the first visitors to London's Shard enjoying their trip to the top. The Mayor of London was among those who got a glimpse from Western Europe's tallest building. Ria Chatterjee went up too.

• UK

• UK

A man has proposed to his girlfriend at the official opening of the Shard's observation deck.

The young couple from Essex got engaged moments after London mayor Boris Johnson cut a ribbon to welcome visitors to the highest vantage point in western Europe

22 year old James Episcopou got down on one knee in front of a media pack invited to cover the event, and was rewarded for his bravery when his girlfriend Laura Taylor, also 22, said yes.

The engagement took place on level 72 of the Shard, just over 800ft above the capital

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The Mayor of London cut a ribbon just over 800ft above the capital to welcome visitors to the highest vantage point in western Europe.

He was joined on level 72 of London's tallest building by its architect, Renzo Piano, for the opening of the attraction, The View from The Shard.

Mr Piano said: "This building is magic for a number of reasons."First, because it's in London, second, because it's so tall, and third, because this building is a part of London. It's a sense of London."It's sad when London is sad, it's joyful when London is brilliant and joyful."

• UK

A new attraction offering 40-mile panoramic views of London opens today.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson will officially cut the ribbon for The View from The Shard, a viewing gallery on the 72nd floor of Britain's tallest building.

However, a forecast of poor visibility could mean visitors don't get the spectacular views they're hoping for.

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