King and Queen to Attend Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games at The Hydro in Glasgow on July 23. The royal couple will join competitors, officials and supporters from across the Commonwealth as the XXIII Games commence. More than 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations and territories will compete for 215 gold medals across 10 disciplines over an 11-day period.

His Majesty will formally declare the Games open by reading a message he placed inside the King's Baton during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on March 10, 2025. That ceremony also launched the Baton Relay, which has traveled to all 74 participating nations and territories over 500 days.

For the first time, all 74 Batons will be brought together in Glasgow. The Scotland Baton, handcrafted in the city from sustainably sourced ash wood, will be presented to His Majesty to reveal the message concealed within.

Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medallist and two-time Commonwealth champion, will participate in the Opening Ceremony alongside Their Majesties. Sir Chris Hoy said it is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with Their Majesties The King and Queen.

Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport, highlighted the occasion as the first Commonwealth Games of His Majesty's reign and the culmination of the inaugural King's Baton Relay. George Black CBE, Chair of Glasgow 2026, said welcoming Their Majesties The King and Queen to The Hydro is a proud moment for everyone building the Opening Ceremony.