King Charles emerges from Doctor Who's TARDIS to open Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reported that King Charles III officially opened the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after a theatrical entrance tied to the British science-fiction series “Doctor Who.” Charles and Queen Camilla appeared at the opening ceremony from the show’s TARDIS police box, which was presented as materializing inside the Hydro arena before the couple walked to the royal box.

According to AP, the ceremony’s filmed sequence showed the TARDIS traveling around Scotland, including stops at Loch Ness, the Kelpies and Edinburgh Castle, before collecting Charles and Camilla at Balmoral Castle. Organizers described the TARDIS as “the world’s most famous police box.” Performers also highlighted Glasgow’s artisans, while teams including Scotland and Australia were shown entering during the ceremony.

The Games bring together more than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, AP reported. They are scheduled as an 11-day event featuring 10 sports and six Para sports. Charles opened the competition in his capacity as head of the Commonwealth, giving the ceremony both a sporting and ceremonial role for the participating countries and territories.

AP noted that the entrance echoed another high-profile royal appearance at a major sporting event: Queen Elizabeth II’s participation in the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, when a filmed sequence showed her with James Bond actor Daniel Craig before a staged parachute arrival. The Glasgow opening continued that tradition of blending British pop culture, royal symbolism and international sport.