The King and Queen have officially opened the Commonwealth Games for 2026 – after arriving in none other than Doctor Who‘s Tardis.
Charles, 77, and Camilla, 78, ditched their usual royal helicopter for the iconic time machine, which “picked them up” from Balmoral Castle in Scotland, just in time for the Opening Ceremony at The Hydro.
Their Majesties took part in a hilarious sketch alongside Sir Chris Hoy and Scottish actor Greg McHugh, who were walking through Glasgow, before receiving a call from “the Palace” in one of the police phone boxes about how to get to the Games on time.
As the Tardis “landed” at the arena, Charles and Camilla stepped out with a cheery wave into the Royal Box to officially open the Games, which take place from 23 July to 2 August.
The hilarious sketch will no doubt remind royal fans of the late Queen’s iconic entrance to the London 2012 Olympic Games with James Bond’s Daniel Craig, when she “parachuted” into the arena.
See the best photos from the opening ceremony below…
© SNS Group via Getty ImagesFeeling dazed
Charles, who is head of the Commonwealth, beamed as he arrived at the arena, before the National Anthem was played by an 18-strong Royal Scottish National Orchestra Youth Chorus.
He mimed looking into the distance and being dazed after his experience in the time-travelling machine.
© Getty ImagesWalking on stage
The King wore a navy suit and pink tie, while Camilla looked stylish in an electric blue jumpsuit from Anna Valentine.
© Getty ImagesTaking their seats
The Queen appeared to be enjoying chatting to new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and his wife, Marie-France Van Heel.
© Getty ImagesSupportive
The King was supported by his younger brother, Prince Edward, who was also spotted in the Royal Box.
© Getty ImagesOpening ceremony reception
Prior to the Opening Ceremony, the King and Queen attended a reception with representatives from government, the Commonwealth, and the Games.
They met six Baton Bearers representing the regions within the Commonwealth: Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and Oceania.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesA new friend!
The King met Finnie, the 2026 Commonwealth Games unicorn mascot.
The unicorn is Scotland’s national animal.
© Getty ImagesReuniting with Andy Burnham
Charles also met new Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the reception.
The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony 2026 – the details
The Opening Ceremony was headlined by Scottish singers KT Tunstall and Nathan Evans, alongside Callum Beattie and Nina Nesbitt.
The story told in this year’s Opening Ceremony took place over one day in Glasgow, bringing people together to reflect on the power of community.
The spectacle included lines of woven light being joined together, representing athletes from Para and non-Para sport coming together.
© Getty ImagesIn the opening scene, a giant living garden was crossed by a walkway for the athletes, before the King’s Baton Relay, concluding in a collective artwork.
Stage designer, Amelie White said: “The garden and natural environment is the first thing people will see on stage. It’s a place where we see a global community coming together, connecting us all to Scotland, to nature, and ultimately to the planet.”
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThis year’s Commonwealth Games will welcome 3,000 athletes from 74 nations, supported by 3,000 volunteers.
It will be screened live on TNT Sports, who secured the rights, while the Opening Ceremony and highlights will be broadcast on Channel 5.
The Games will feature 10 sports and 6 para sports across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), the Glasgow International Arena and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
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