Yesterday the Commonwealth Games started. Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla attended the opening ceremony in Birmingham on behalf of the Queen. Charles read a very private letter from the Queen.
Multisport event
The Commonwealth Games will be held from 28 July to 8 August. The event celebrates the diversity of 56 different Commonwealth countries. It is the UK’s largest sporting event since the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. The opening ceremony of the event took place yesterday at the Alexander Stadium. Many different sports are featured at this event, from swimming and diving to cricket and athletics. In total, more than 4,500 athletes participate in the competitions.
all over the world
Queen Elizabeth has mobility issues, so Charles and Camilla attended the opening ceremony on her behalf. Despite her absence, the Queen wrote a letter to the Games. I wrote the letter in October of last year, after which the paper was rolled up and put into a tube. Then this tube made a round-the-world trip: in the past 294 days, it’s been to 72 different places within the Commonwealth. So its unveiling was an extra special moment.
Charles and Camilla arrived at the opening ceremony. Photo: ProShots
The party was a big celebration. Photo: ProShots
special message
“On the 7th of October last year, this bespoke tube left Buckingham Palace to travel within the Commonwealth of Nations. During the past 294 days on its journey to Birmingham, it has carried not only my message for you, but the common hopes and dreams of every nation and county that it has been through.” “Over the past few years, the combination of many participants in the ‘Friendly Games’ has created an enormous amount of shared experiences, long-term relationships, and even some pretty good rivalries. But above all, it reminded us of the kind of connection we have with each other – wherever We were in the world – as part of the Commonwealth.”
The Queen also paid tribute to the city of Birmingham and wished every athlete and team every success. “Your hard work and dedication, especially lately, is an inspiration to all of us.” The speech concluded with the official opening statement.
Deputy Shepherd
The Queen isn’t the only one who wrote a letter to the Commonwealth Games. Prince Edward, Deputy Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, also spoke. “Games are about more than just a sport. They are the greatest manifestation of the Commonwealth: our extraordinary group of countries, bound together by many relationships. […] To everyone involved in the production, both behind the scenes and in the lead: Thank you, good luck and have fun.”
Source: HELLO!, People | Photo: ProShots
