King Charles is set to play a key role at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the monarch expected to appear at the Opening Ceremony to receive the Scotland Baton. The baton contains a special message from the King at the centre of the oak rod, according to Royal Editor Emily Ferguson.
King's Baton Relay at Dumfries House
The King's Foundation hosted the King's Baton Relay at its headquarters, Dumfries House, as part of the countdown to the Games, which start on July 23. Locals turned out to cheer on baton carriers and meet the Games mascot, Finnie the unicorn, who pranced through the grounds high-fiving passersby. The baton carriers walked with the delicately carved wooden baton through the estate.
Ferguson, who will serve as the in-venue announcer for bowls during the Games, noted that the event brought together her two worlds: work and bowls. She described the King's decision to save Dumfries House as making a significant difference to the local community, with many employees having come through the Foundation's schemes in hospitality, farming, architecture, and millinery.
Royal Family Presence at the Games
Members of the Royal Family are expected to visit throughout the fortnight, with the King, as official patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, attending the Opening Ceremony. Team Scotland will compete in 10 events, including bowls, athletics, swimming, and netball. The Scottish city is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, and spectators.
Lady Louise Windsor Graduates
Lady Louise Windsor graduated from St Andrew's University in Scotland with a degree in English and International Relations on Thursday. Official photos released show the 22-year-old in her gown, wearing a gold signet ring, a Pandora bracelet, and topaz necklace and earrings. Another image shows her with proud parents the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, with Sophie sporting a new blonde bob. Lady Louise has no plans to become a working royal and is preparing for a gap year combining work, volunteering, and travel before deciding on a career.
Princess Kate at Wimbledon
The Princess of Wales attended Wimbledon this week, greeting tennis fans queueing for tickets and meeting with the Championships' Honorary Stewards. Wearing her hair in a chic ponytail, she watched Britain's Arthur Fery play Finland's Otto Virtanen on outside courts, rather than sitting in the Royal Box. Fery was one of just four Brits to reach the second round after early exits from Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper.
Prince Harry's Court Case
Prince Harry will receive the outcome of his court case against the publishers of the Daily Mail on Tuesday. He is among several high-profile individuals bringing legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited over claims of unlawful information gathering, which the newspaper strongly denies. Harry is expected to be in the UK for engagements when the verdict is handed down.
Queen Camilla Meets JK Rowling
Queen Camilla met JK Rowling during Royal Week to discuss their shared passion for children's literacy and the importance of young people having access to books. The meeting drew criticism due to Rowling's outspoken views on gender identity. However, the Queen has previously urged authors to resist censorship, as when publisher Puffin made alterations to Roald Dahl's books. The meeting appeared to be simply two women passionate about books talking about books.
