King Charles and Queen Camilla made a surprising arrival at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow on July 23, entering the Hydro in a Tardis. The entrance sparked plenty of chatter online, with some viewers loving it and others less impressed.
Mixed Reactions to Royal Demeanour
Many viewers remarked on the Royals' less than "enthused" demeanour after they took their seats. One viewer on X said: "If Charles and Camilla aren’t enthused about Commonwealth Games why should their subjects?? They look miserable at this opening ceremony!" Others agreed the royal pair appeared somber despite a huge welcome from the crowd.
Jokes and Praise for the Tardis Entrance
However, many more viewers focused on the surprise arrival, with the King's appearance in the Tardis prompting a wave of jokes and praise. One person quipped: "Commonwealth Games opening ceremony TARDIS can only mean one thing: Charles is about to announce himself as King, Prime Minister, The Doctor and James Bond." Another praised the ceremony: "Commonwealth Games opening ceremony looked magical, from news highlights. And the Doctor Who bit from Charles and Camilla was wonderful."
How the Entrance Unfolded
The opening ceremony began with six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh embarking on a time-travelling mission to bring the King and Queen to the Games. They attempted to travel from Glasgow's Royal Exchange Square to Balmoral using the iconic blue police box from Doctor Who. Former Doctor Sylvester McCoy made a cameo after discovering the Tardis had disappeared.
Along the way, Hoy and McHugh were transported to Scottish landmarks including Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle, the Kelpies, the University of Glasgow, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and the Highlands during the Jurassic period. Eventually, the Tardis appeared inside the Hydro to huge cheers, and King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped out to officially open the games.
Doctor Who Fans Celebrate
The entrance echoed the late Queen's skydive into the London 2012 Olympics with James Bond actor Daniel Craig. Doctor Who fans praised the ceremony, with many delighted to see the TV creation play a central role. One viewer wrote: "You gotta love it #CommonwealthGames. Only bonkers Britain can open with a TARDIS!!! Bring on the weird and wonderful. God bless Sir Chris Hoy." Another said: "Whoever had the idea of having the TARDIS at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony... I LOVE YOU." A third added: "Couldn’t have a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow without a TARDIS and a Scottish Doctor on hand…"
