The Queen's Message to the Athletes
Published
The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth.
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.
To you, the Commonwealth athletes, I send my good wishes for success in your endeavours. Your accomplishments over the coming days will encourage us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us. You remind us that young people, those under 25 years of age, make up half of our Commonwealth citizens; and it is to you that we entrust our values and our future.
I offer my sincere thanks to the many organisations and volunteers who have worked diligently to bring these Games to fruition, and indeed to the spectators here in the stadium and to the millions watching on television. Together, you all play a part in strengthening our friendships in this modern and vibrant association of nations.
It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 20th Commonwealth Games open.
Related content
A message from The Queen to the Governor General and the people of Canada
I mourn with all Canadians at this tragic time.
Her Majesty The Queen's Address at the Opening Ceremony of the Sixth Session of the Scottish Parliament
Presiding Officer, First Minister, Members of the Scottish Parliament, it is a pleasure to be invited to address you on this special occasion. I would like to begin by...
A message from The Queen to the President and people of Barbados
The people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart.
The Queen's address at the Opening Ceremony of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament
I have spoken before of my deep and abiding affection for this wonderful country, and of the many happy memories Prince Philip and I always held of our time here.
The Queen's message to mark Canada's first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
I join with all Canadians on this first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021
Stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory.
The tenth anniversary of the Christchurch earthquakes
While there are many sad memories of that terrible time, there is also solace in remembering how your community rose to the challenge of rebuilding your lives and supporting...
The Queen's 2020 Commonwealth Day Message
Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience
A speech by The Countess of Wessex celebrating the work of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust
On behalf of the people The Trust has helped thank you to each and every one of you for all your incredible support, and to Your Majesty thank you for choosing to give the...
The Queen's message to the Governors and people of New South Wales and Queensland
Her Majesty The Queen's Scottish Parliament Speech
It is perhaps worth reflecting that at the heart of the word “Parliament” lies its original meaning: a place to talk. I have no doubt that for most of these last twenty years...
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018
A Message from Her Majesty The Queen on the opening of the 2017 Commonwealth Science Conference
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Commonwealth Science Conference in Singapore following the success of the Bangalore Conference in 2014. I am very grateful...
A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge (French)
Nous avons le devoir de nous souvenir et d’honorer Ia mémoire de ceux qui ont servi vaillamment et qui ont tant donné ici, sur la crete de Vimy, et tout au long de la Premiere...
A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge
It is our duty to remember and honour those who served so valiantly and who gave so much here at Vimy Ridge and throughout the First World War.
A message from The Queen on the sixth anniversary of the Canterbury Earthquake in New Zealand
I hope that the new memorial will provide a place to remember, to grieve for what is lost, and to give thanks for what remains
A message from The Queen to the people of Canada
I am delighted to offer all Canadians my best wishes and congratulations on the 150th anniversary of Confederation
A message from The Queen to the people of Canada (written in French)
C’est un plaisir pour moi de transmettre mes meilleurs voeux et mes félicitations aux Canadiens et Canadiennes à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire de la Confédération
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Barbados on the 50th Anniversary of Independence
Since you became an independent country in 1966, you have continued to flourish and grow into a strong and confident nation.
Prince Harry announces Royal Household Hospitality scholarships on behalf of The Queen
A speech by Prince Harry on the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy dedication in St Lucia
On behalf of my grandmother, The Queen, I am grateful to the Government and the people of St. Lucia for this most generous contribution.