Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has opened the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The 88-year-old monarch delivered an almost-year-old message during the ceremony at the Celtic Park stadium yesterday (23.07.14), which had been placed in a baton and carried by fans over a 10-month relay through 71 locations in the Commonwealth, reports Hello! Magazine.
Queen Elizabeth said: "At Buckingham Palace last October I placed this message into the specially-crafted baton and passed it to the first of many thousands of baton-bearers. Over the past 288 days the baton has visited all the nations and territories of the Commonwealth, crossing every continent in a journey of more than 100,000 miles.
"The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth and serves as a reminder of our shared ideals and ambitions as a diverse, resourceful and cohesive family.
"And now, that baton has arrived here in Glasgow, a city renowned for its dynamic cultural and sporting achievements and for the warmth of its people, for this opening ceremony of the Friendly Games.’
Her Majesty was joined in front of the 40,000-strong crowd by her husband, Prince Philip, her eldest son Prince Charles, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as well as her youngest son the Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie.
The Queen then went on to address around 4,500 sportsmen and women who are expected to take part in the Games, which runs from 23 July until 3 August.
She said: "To you, the Commonwealth athletes, I send my good wishes for success in your endeavours.
"Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations."
Before announcing: "It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open."
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth opens the Commonwealth Games
