King Charles and Queen Camilla open Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with Tardis entrance

King Charles and Queen Camilla made a surprise entrance from a Tardis at the opening ceremony of the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, held at the Hydro arena. The royal couple emerged after six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, drawing cheers from the audience. The ceremony, lasting two hours and 20 minutes, featured a giant garden stage, the Loch Ness monster, and performances by Nathan Evans, Tom Walker, and KT Tunstall. For the first time in Games history, athletes paraded before the ceremony began, led by Botswana. The event celebrated Glasgow's industrial past and nightlife, with tributes to venues like Barrowland Ballroom and Sub Club. Flags from 74 nations and territories were carried in, and each team received a wooden baton to decorate, planted on stage to create a garden. The King's Baton was handed to Charles by basketball player Kieron Achara; the monarch removed a message placed 500 days prior. Dignitaries included Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, and Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth. Glasgow stepped in after Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to costs. The scaled-back Games feature 215 medals across 10 sports, with a record 47 para-sports events. Dr. Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, praised Glasgow's legacy. The finale featured a giant pyrotechnic teacake, a nod to the 2014 ceremony.