King Charles opens slimmed-down Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

King Charles III officially opened the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, marking the start of a 10-day event focused on cost control through a significantly reduced scale. The ceremony, held indoors for the first time, featured a jovial start with the King emerging from a Tardis, a nod to the British science fiction show Doctor Who.

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As we gather, we celebrate the dedication and talent of every athlete and team. Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate your achievements in the coming days.

Around 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations and territories will compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports and six para-sports. This iteration of the Games is a major restructuring effort, undertaken after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts in 2023 due to escalating costs. Glasgow stepped in to fill the void, ensuring the continuation of the Commonwealth Games project.

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As we share our love of sport, and our planet, let us build a harmonious and durable future, for our families and each other.

George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026, highlighted the city's proactive approach, stating, "When the future of these Games was uncertain, Glasgow didn't ask, ‘Can we?’, We asked, ‘When do we get started?'" The current event operates at a quarter of the cost compared to when Glasgow last hosted 12 years ago, with a sporting program nearly halved from the previous Games in Birmingham. The indoor ceremony allowed athletes to enter the arena together, receiving a warm welcome. Notable attendees included UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney.

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When the future of these Games was uncertain, Glasgow didn't ask, ‘Can we?’, We asked, ‘When do we get started?' Because that’s what we do. We roll up our sleeves and, together, we make extraordinary things happen.