The King and Queen arrived at the opening ceremony in a Doctor Who Tardis
King Charles officially opened the twenty-third Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, hailing the gathering of nations as something truly distinctive.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, the monarch described the Commonwealth as "a unique and extraordinary family of nations," a sentiment reinforced by the arrival of the Baton Relay into Scotland.
The King had placed a message inside the Baton on Commonwealth Day the previous year, launching a journey that would span the organisation's member states, territories and oceans.
His address struck a tone of celebration, unity and shared purpose as competitors from across the Commonwealth prepared to take to the stage.
The Baton Relay had traversed Commonwealth nations over a period of five hundred days, greeted along the way by communities displaying what the King called "generosity and pride."
As the Batons made their way into Scotland, they were borne by athletes and para-athletes whom the monarch praised for their inspiring example.
"Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate your achievements in the coming days," he told competitors.
King Charles paid tribute to the talent and commitment shown by every athlete and team taking part, marking the occasion as a celebration of sporting excellence across the Commonwealth family.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the King used his address to champion environmental action.
The Baton Relay, he revealed, had carried an additional message urging efforts to rid oceans and waterways of plastic pollution, which he noted "can impact on human health."
King Charles linked the fight against plastic waste to broader conservation ambitions, stating that "addressing plastic pollution complements the immense global efforts required to protect thirty per cent of the world's ocean by 2030."
He argued that safeguarding the ocean's natural resources was essential for sustaining communities and businesses alike.
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The monarch also advocated for marine reserves to restore damaged ecosystems and rebuild depleted fish stocks.
Glasgow's role as host was a familiar one, with the city having previously staged the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
King Charles expressed confidence that the Scottish city would once again embrace the Commonwealth family "with warm hearts and open arms" over the ten days of competition ahead.
The King extended "my warmest gratitude to the city of Glasgow, to all the athletes, to the organisers, volunteers and all who have made this event possible."
In closing, he urged those gathered to harness their shared passion for sport and stewardship of the planet, calling on all to "build a harmonious and durable future, for our families and each other."
