King Charles and Queen Camilla will officially open the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next week, as the 10-day sporting event returns to the city after 12 years. The opening ceremony at the OVO Hydro on July 23 will feature a star-studded line-up, 600 volunteers, and a unique baton relay finale.
King to Declare Games Open
King Charles will conclude the King's baton relay by reading aloud a message he placed into the Scotland baton on March 10, 2025. The baton first left Buckingham Palace in March 2025, marking 500 days until the start of the event. Unlike previous relays, each of the 74 competing nations and territories was given its own baton to decorate. During the ceremony, all 74 batons will be reunited, and the King will officially declare the Games open.
Ceremony Details and Performers
Scottish singer KT Tunstall will headline the opening ceremony, joined by Nathan Evans & Saint PHNX, Callum Beattie, Nina Nesbitt, and electronic duo Valtos. Former Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who was the first person to receive the King's baton in 2025, will also participate. Tickets for the ceremony remain available on the Glasgow 2026 website.
George Black CBE, chair of Glasgow 2026, said: "Welcoming the King and Queen to the Hydro is a proud moment for everyone building the opening ceremony. We set out to make something bold, unmistakably Glasgow and unlike anything the Commonwealth Games has produced before. To have their Majesties there to see it come to life makes it all the more special."
Broadcasting and Viewing Options
The opening ceremony will be broadcast by Channel 5, which will also air daily highlights hosted by former Olympic sprinter Jeanette Kwakye. However, live coverage of the Games will be available exclusively on TNT Sports, the new UK broadcast partner, requiring a subscription via platforms such as HBO Max or Amazon Prime. BBC Alba will provide nightly highlights and coverage.
Sir Chris Hoy expressed his excitement: "It is an absolute honour to attend the opening of Glasgow 2026 with the King and Queen. A home Games is always a special occasion and I have so many wonderful memories from competing in the Commonwealth Games myself. I have no doubt the city of Glasgow will yet again be a superb host to what promises to be an exciting event and I very much look forward to being a part of it."
