King's Tardis entrance as Commonwealth Games begin

What the report says

BBC News reported that the 2026 Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow on 23 July with a ceremony featuring King Charles III, Queen Camilla, a Doctor Who-themed entrance and a large Loch Ness Monster figure. The King and Queen arrived at the Hydro Arena in the Tardis, a nod to Glasgow’s blue police boxes, and were welcomed by former cyclist Sir Chris Hoy. The event marked the first Commonwealth Games with Charles as Head of the Commonwealth.

Athletes and Para-athletes from 74 nations and territories paraded through the indoor arena, with Botswana first and Scotland last, drawing the loudest response from the roughly 10,000 spectators. The ceremony included Scottish music, bagpipers, dancers and performers including Nathan Evans, Callum Beattie, KT Tunstall and Nina Nesbitt. BBC said the staging was presented as a tribute to Glasgow and the Commonwealth, with references to local landmarks and Scottish sporting culture.

The Games are taking place after uncertainty over whether the event would go ahead. Victoria, Australia, withdrew as host in 2023, and Glasgow stepped in using venues from the city’s 2014 Games. BBC reported that this edition has eight fewer sports than in 2014 because of the shortened preparation period. Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare credited Glasgow’s previous Games legacy, while Glasgow 2026 chair George Black praised the city’s rapid effort over 18 months.

In his opening remarks, King Charles thanked Glasgow and highlighted the need to protect oceans and waterways from plastic pollution. Competition is scheduled to run for 10 days, with the closing ceremony on 2 August at the Hydro. BBC said the first medals were due in Para-powerlifting on Friday evening.