King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to officially open the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games later this month, organisers have announced.
Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy will also take part in the ceremony at The Hydro on July 23, marking the Games' return to the city after 12 years.
King Charles will formally open the Games by reading the message he placed into the King’s Baton at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day last year, March 10. The baton, launched with Hoy as its first bearer, has since visited all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories over 500 days.
Each crafted a unique baton, reflecting its culture, which will unite in Glasgow for the first time. The handmade Scotland Baton, from sustainably sourced ash, will be presented.
Hoy, a two-time Commonwealth champion, 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."
George Black, chairman of Glasgow 2026, said: "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 – and to have Their Majesties there to see it come to life makes it all the more special."
Dr Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, added: "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 culmination of the first King’s Baton Relay, it will be a special occasion for everyone involved in the Commonwealth Games.
“Glasgow 2026 marks the beginning of 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 bring people together."
The Games, running from July 23 to August 2, will see over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories compete across 10 sports and six Para sports.
The Commonwealth Clean Ocean Plastics Campaign, in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, has also been taking place, bringing communities together for coastal clean-ups to keep one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waters.
