Commonwealth Games LIVE: Royals make grand opening ceremony entrance in Tardis as Aussies take in the show
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow opened with a ceremony featuring a Tardis-themed entrance by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The event is noted for its modest budget and reduced scale compared to the original plans for the games in Victoria, Australia.
Why it matters
The event marks a significant shift in the hosting model for international sporting events, emphasizing cost-efficiency over large-scale infrastructure projects.
Pinned post from 7.44am Go to latest Unicorns, bagpipes and a royal Tardis arrival: Tonight was a combination of corny but sweet By Hannah Kennelly Gigantic shimmering unicorns, a mythical Loch Ness monster, a dig at Victoria and the monarchs emerging from a Doctor Who Tardis.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow might have a reduced roster of sports, smaller stadiums and a shoestring budget, but the opening ceremony was certainly full of, as my mother would say, pizzazz.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave after walking out of the Tardis during the opening ceremony. Getty Images The only reference to the fact that these Games were originally due to be staged in Victoria came after the two-hour mark, via a subtle, cheeky dig from Commonwealth Games Glasgow chair George Black.
“Athletes of the Commonwealth, welcome to Glasgow, welcome back to our city,” he said.
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