The Duke of Edinburgh made a surprise appearance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Thursday, delighting fans. Prince Edward was pictured on Day 0 of the event, watching the entire second session of bowls and chatting with players about the sport. He also enjoyed a performance by the Scottish band Drums and Roses.
Royal visitor at bowls
Emily Ferguson, Royal Editor, reported from the Games: "I’m working at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games for the next two weeks as the announcer for the bowls. This morning we had a royal visitor to watch some of the action on Day 0! The Duke of Edinburgh attended the whole of the second session, chatting to players and learning…"
Edward's long association with the Games
Edward, vice-patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, has been deeply involved in this year's event. Last month, he visited the Commonwealth Games Uniform and Accreditation Centre at Caledonia University in Glasgow to meet staff and volunteers amid preparations. The prince has attended every Commonwealth Games since Edinburgh hosted the event in 1986, and has long praised the event as the "greatest manifestation of the Commonwealth".
Games and other royal engagements
This year's Commonwealth Games are taking place between July 23 and August 2 in Glasgow. The King and Queen are set to attend the event. It has been a busy week for the royal couple, who also attended the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show. This year marks the first time the traditional event is held at a royal residence – the Sandringham Estate. Gardening charity the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is hosting the event in place of the annual Sandringham Flower Show.
