A message from The King ahead of the Closing Ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

My wife and I would like to extend our warmest thanks to all those who played a part in making the XXIII Commonwealth Games such a wonderful success. 

It was a great pleasure to be able to open the Games as part of a magnificently executed ceremony celebrating Glasgow, Scotland and the enduring bonds of our Commonwealth family. You have worked tirelessly, with creativity, dedication and vigour, to deliver ten days of exhilarating sporting competition, along with cultural and artistic celebration.  I know that the efforts which such an endeavour demands from organizers, officials, volunteers and staff are just like a certain blue telephone box - far larger than they may appear from the outside…

Developing and realizing a climate-conscious, deliverable model for this year’s Games has been a significant achievement.  The Games have served as a stage for outstanding athletic excellence, a joyful celebration of all that unites our Commonwealth nations and a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to bring nations and generations closer together. I send my heartfelt congratulations to all those competitors who were victorious, while hoping that each and every one of you who participated, or contributed, will look back on these Games with immense pride in what you have accomplished.