The King and Queen made a dramatic entrance to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, emerging from the iconic Doctor Who TARDIS as the opening ceremony commenced.
Their Majesties played a prominent role in the spectacular show at the Hydro arena in Glasgow, marking the start of the 11-day sporting extravaganza. Over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories are set to compete across 10 sports and six Para sports.
Ahead of the main event, the pre-show saw unicorn mascot Finnie entertain the crowd, alongside Scottish wrestler Grado making an appearance in a teacake costume. The ceremony itself began with a cinematic clip of the famous blue police box embarking on a journey across Scotland.
Piloted by cycling star Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh, the TARDIS’s efforts appeared to confuse the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy.
After visiting several famous Scottish landmarks, the time-travelling machine eventually reached Balmoral Castle before materialising inside the Hydro arena on an onstage garden.
Charles and Camilla then emerged, making their way down a ramp to take their seats in the royal box.
Charles is set to formally open the Games in his capacity as Head of the Commonwealth, the ceremonial leader of the 56-nation association.
Earlier in the day, the King attended a reception where he met baton bearers representing various regions of the Commonwealth. Among the notable attendees at the reception were Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his wife Marie-France Van Heel, Scottish First Minister John Swinney, and the Duke of Edinburgh.
This memorable entrance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games follows a tradition of royal theatricality at major sporting events.
Queen Elizabeth II famously participated in the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, appearing to skydive into the stadium from a helicopter alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig, who had escorted her from Buckingham Palace.
Her stunt double executed the leap above the arena, wearing a dress with sewn-in Victorian-style bloomers and a large zip to accommodate his parachute. The late Queen also delighted audiences with a comedy sketch featuring a digitally animated Paddington Bear for her Platinum Jubilee, revealing her penchant for keeping marmalade sandwiches – Paddington’s favourite treat – in her handbag.
