In an unforgettable spectacle, King Charles and Queen Camilla made a grand entrance at the Commonwealth Games, stepping out of Doctor Who’s Tardis.
King Charles astonished onlookers by arriving at the Commonwealth Games in a Tardis.
The royal couple attended the opening ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. They captivated the audience at the Hydro arena with their dramatic arrival from the iconic old police box, synonymous with the beloved sci-fi series. This entrance marked a memorable start to the games and delighted fans of both the monarchy and Doctor Who alike.
Their entrance was preceded by a short film in which Olympian Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh set about organising transport for the King and Queen and they opted for a Tardis flight. The film showed the blue box whizzing past Scottish landmarks including Loch Ness and Edinburgh Castle to the TV show’s iconic theme tune, seemingly picking up the royals before they stepped out of the Tardis in the arena in Glasgow.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were then escorted to their seats in the royal box by Hoy and McHugh where they were greeted by the UK’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
King Charles said: "The Commonwealth is a unique and extraordinary family of nations. As we gather, we celebrate the dedication and talent of every athlete and team. Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate your achievements in the coming days ...
"For these Games, the relay has carried another message – to help remove the plastic pollution that harms our oceans and waterways, and can impact on human health.
"Addressing plastic pollution complements the immense global efforts required to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030.
"Caring for the ocean’s natural capital ensures our communities and businesses can continue to thrive.
"And vital global food resources can be enhanced through the establishment of marine reserves to restore threatened marine ecosystems and diminished fish stocks."
He went on to conclude: "As we share our love of sport, and our planet, let us build a harmonious and durable future for our families and each other. It is now my great pleasure to declare the 2026 Commonwealth Games ... open."
The opening ceremony also featured a procession of the teams taking part in the games as well as performances by stars including Eve, Callum Beattie, Nathan Evans and Tom Walker.