King Charles and Queen Camilla to Open Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla will officially open the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on 23 July, the organizers have said.

The royal couple will attend the Opening Ceremony at the Hydro Arena in Glasgow. The King will declare the Games open by reading a message he placed inside the King’s Baton on Commonwealth Day, 10 March 2025, at Buckingham Palace, before the Baton Relay started.

This ceremony will mark the start of the 23rd Commonwealth Games. More than 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories will compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports over 11 days.

The King’s reading of the message will mark the end of the longest King’s Baton Relay in Commonwealth Games history. Over 500 days, the Baton travelled to all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Each place created and decorated its own Baton to show its culture and identity.

Six-time Olympic champion and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, who was the first Baton bearer, will also take part in the Opening Ceremony.

“It is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with Their Majesties The King and Queen. A home Games is always a special occasion, and I have so many wonderful memories from competing in the Commonwealth Games myself. I have no doubt the city of Glasgow will once again be a superb host for what promises to be an exciting event, and I very much look forward to being part of it. The countdown is on!” Sir Chris said.

Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, said the royal presence is a great milestone for the Games.

“We are honoured that Their Majesties The King and Queen will join athletes, fans, delegations and communities from across the Commonwealth for the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2026. As the first Commonwealth Games of His Majesty’s reign, and the end of the first King’s Baton Relay, it will be a special occasion for everyone involved.”

Glasgow 2026 marks a new chapter for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. As athletes from 74 nations and territories come together, the Opening Ceremony will set the tone for a Games that celebrates world-class sport, friendship, and the unique ability of the Commonwealth Games to unite people.

George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026, added: “Welcoming Their Majesties The King and Queen to The Hydro is a proud moment for everyone building the Opening Ceremony. We set out to make something bold, unmistakably Glasgow, and unlike anything the Commonwealth Games has produced before. Having Their Majesties there to see it come to life makes it all the more special.”

The Games will run from 23 July to 2 August across four venues within an eight-mile corridor in Glasgow.

Competitions will take place in 10 sports, including six fully integrated Para sports. Organizers have promised the biggest track cycling, swimming, and 3x3 basketball competitions in Commonwealth Games history.

The Games will also have a citywide cultural festival from 23 May to 9 August. This festival will celebrate music, arts, sports, and community activities across Glasgow.