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Sports July 23, 2026

King Charles and Queen Camilla Return to Commonwealth

King Charles and Queen Camilla Return to Commonwealth

During the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow’s Hydro arena, King Charles and Queen Camilla made a striking entrance by stepping out of a life‑size Tardis.

The 11‑day sporting event will host more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in ten sports and six para‑sports.

Before the main show, the crowd was entertained by the Games’ unicorn mascot Finnie and a Scottish wrestler, Grado, who appeared in a teacake costume.

King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Sir Chris Hoy step out of the TARDIS as they arrive for the opening ceremony for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Picture date: Thursday July 23, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

The program opened with a clip of Doctor Who’s iconic telephone box traveling around Scotland, guided by cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh.

The Tardis visited several famous Scottish landmarks before materialising inside the arena, where the royal couple emerged, descended a ramp, and took seats in the royal box.

King Charles, as Head of the Commonwealth, will formally open the Games. He also attended a pre‑ceremony reception with baton bearers and political leaders, including the Prime Minister and the First Minister of Scotland.

Commonwealth Games 2026 - Opening Ceremony - The Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - July 23, 2026 Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla step out of The Tardis from the TV series Doctor Who as Chris Hoy looks on during the opening ceremony REUTERS/Isabel Infantes TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The spectacle echoed earlier royal appearances, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, where she was staged to skydive into the stadium from a helicopter.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 23: King Charles III and Queen Camilla are seen after they walk out of the TARDIS during the opening ceremony ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at The Hydro on July 23, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

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