The Prince of Wales and
the Duchess of Cornwall traveled to Birmingham on Thursday night to
attend the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Charles was representing his
mother the Queen, who is not attending the Games due to her ongoing
mobility issues, Buckingham Palace previously announced.
At the opening ceremony, the
Prince read the Queen’s message for the Games, which she placed into the
Commonwealth Games Baton back in October 2021 and which has traveled the
globe during a 294-day journey to all 72 nations and territories of the
Commonwealth.
Addressing the crowd on behalf
of the Queen, Charles said: “On October 7 last year, this specially
created Baton left Buckingham Palace to travel across the Commonwealth. Over
the past 294 days, it has carried not only my message to you but also the
shared hopes and dreams of each nation and territory through which it has
passed, as it made its way to Birmingham.
“Over the years, the
coming together of so many for the ‘Friendly Games’ has created memorable
shared experiences, established long-standing relationships, and even created
some friendly rivalries. But above all, they remind us of our connection with
one another, wherever we may be in the world, as part of the Commonwealth
family of nations.”
Charles continued:
“Tonight, in the words of the founder of the Games, we embark once again
on a novel adventure here in Birmingham, a pioneering city which has drawn in
and embraced so many throughout its history. It is a city symbolic of the rich
diversity and unity of the Commonwealth, and one which now welcomes you all in
friendship.
“I wish each athlete and
team every success. Your hard work and dedication, particularly in recent
times, have been an inspiration to all of us. It now gives me the greatest
pleasure to declare the 22nd Commonwealth Games open.”
