King and Queen to officially open Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

King Charles and Queen Camilla have confirmed they will be present at The Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday, July 23, for the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The royal couple will join competitors, officials and supporters from across the Commonwealth as the XXIII Games commence.

More than 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations and territories will vie for 215 gold medals throughout the competition.

The sporting programme spans 10 disciplines over an 11-day period.

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This marks a significant occasion for Glasgow, which will host what organisers describe as a bold and distinctively Scottish celebration of Commonwealth sport.

His Majesty will formally declare the Games open by reading aloud a message he originally placed inside the King's Baton during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, March 10, 2025.

That occasion also marked the launch of the Baton Relay, with Sir Chris Hoy serving as its inaugural bearer.

The six-time Olympic gold medallist and two-time Commonwealth champion will participate in the Opening Ceremony alongside Their Majesties.

Sir Chris, widely regarded as one of Britain's most decorated athletes of all time, will feature in what promises to be a memorable celebration of sporting excellence, civic pride and Commonwealth unity.

The King's Baton has undertaken the longest relay in Commonwealth Games history, travelling to all 74 participating nations and territories across 500 days.

Each country crafted and decorated its own unique Baton, reflecting local culture and identity.

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For the first time, all 74 Batons will be brought together in Glasgow for the ceremony.

The Scotland Baton, handcrafted in the city from sustainably sourced ash wood, will be presented to His Majesty to reveal the message concealed within.

The relay has also promoted the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Plastics Campaign, organised with the Royal Commonwealth Society, uniting communities through coastal clean-ups aimed at preventing a million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waters.

Sir Chris Hoy said: "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 yet again be a superb host to what promises to be an exciting event; and I very much look forward to being a part of it. The countdown is on!"

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, highlighted the historic nature of the occasion as the first Commonwealth Games of His Majesty's reign and the culmination of the inaugural King's Baton Relay.

George Black CBE, Chair of Glasgow 2026, said: "Welcoming Their Majesties The King and Queen to The Hydro is a proud moment for everyone building the Opening Ceremony."

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