Commonwealth Games: King Charles III emerges from the Tardis as Glasgow 2026 Games begin
The 2026 Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a ceremony featuring King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving in a Tardis. The event marked the first games under King Charles's leadership and included performances celebrating Scottish culture.
Why it matters
The Commonwealth Games serve as a significant cultural and diplomatic event for the member nations, reflecting the evolving nature of the Commonwealth under the new monarch.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, These Games are the first with King Charles as Head of the Commonwealth
King Charles III, the Loch Ness Monster and thousands of athletes and Para-athletes took centre stage as the 2026 Commonwealth Games officially began with the opening ceremony.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by cycling great Sir Chris Hoy as they arrived into Glasgow's Hydro Arena in Doctor Who's Tardis – a reference to the blue police boxes seen around the city.
After taking their seats alongside new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was attending his first major engagement since replacing Sir Keir Starmer, athletes from the 74 competing nations and territories entered the arena.
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