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The Queen opens Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

July 24, 2014

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last night…

The dazzling opening ceremony of this year’s Commonwealth Games was held at Celtic Park in Glasgow last night and consisted of visual and musical performances, a Parade of Nations, the Competitors’ Path and the finale of the Queen’s Baton Relay, which has been on a 190,000km and 288-day adventure.

At the end of its epic journey The Queen read out the message contained inside the baton, which has been transported around the Commonwealth on its 10-month adventure.

She said: “At Buckingham Palace last October I placed this message into the specially-crafted baton and passed it to the first of many thousands of baton-bearers. Over the past 288 days the baton has visited all the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, crossing every continent in a journey of more than 100,000 miles. And now, that baton has arrived here in Glasgow, a city renowned for its dynamic cultural and sporting achievements and for the warmth of its people, for this opening ceremony of the Friendly Games.”

“To you, the Commonwealth athletes, I send my good wishes for success in your endeavours. Your accomplishments over the coming days will encourage us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us. You remind us that young people, those under 25 years of age, make up half of our Commonwealth citizens; and it is to you that we entrust our values and our future,” she added.

The ceremony had begun with actor John Barrowman leading a celebration of Scottish culture, which included references to the Loch Ness monster, whisky, haggis and Tunnock’s tea cakes.

A total of 4,500 athletes across 71 nations and territories will compete in the games, which will run until 4 August.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will remain in Glasgow to watch England against Wales in the opening hockey match today before going on to meet volunteers, medical staff and athletes.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the games on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 July.