'Re-imagined' Commonwealth Games officially open as King Charles arrives in Tardis
King Charles III officially opened the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow during an indoor ceremony at the OVO Hydro. The event, which faced financial hurdles, has been re-imagined with a smaller scale and a focus on connection.
Why it matters
The Commonwealth Games serve as a major international multi-sport event that fosters diplomatic and cultural ties between member nations.
"It is now my great pleasure to declare the 23rd Commonwealth Games open."
King Charles has officially launched the Glasgow Commonwealth Games at an opening ceremony reflecting the "re-imagined" nature of the event, after arriving in Dr Who's Tardis.
The multi-sport spectacular that has bounced from one host city to another due to financial concerns has settled at the Scottish city, which staged the Games only 12 years ago.
"Glasgow didn't ask, 'Can we?'" said organising committee chair George Black. "We asked, 'When do we get started?'
"The Commonwealth Games matter and the world deserves to see them."
For the first time, the opening ceremony was held indoors at the OVO Hydro, with limited seating capacity, but managed to capture the understated nature of a Games that has seen its schedule slashed to fit the occasion.
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