Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow with King Charles' speech

The Commonwealth Games kicked off in Glasgow on Thursday with an opening ceremony that was more intimate than the 2014 edition, held indoors in front of about 10,000 spectators.

Among the loudest cheers were for the Falkland Islands, recently in the news after Argentina's World Cup win over England, and Samoa, whose team performed a haka. The biggest ovation came for the Scotland team, who entered in white shirts and kilts.

The ceremony included a rendition of "Flower of Scotland" with bagpipers and drummers, followed by performances from Scottish folk singer Nathan Evans and singer Callum Beattie, who sang Baccara's "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie," an unofficial Scottish anthem.

King Charles delivered a speech highlighting the importance of preventing plastic pollution in oceans. His baton was brought into the arena while singer Nina Nesbitt performed The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." The King thanked Glasgow and all who made the event possible.

Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, wearing a tartan kilt in Ugandan colours, said the Games were made possible by the "extraordinary legacy of 2014 and by a city that once again welcomes us with warm hearts."

Glasgow 2026 chair George Black added that when the future was uncertain, the city didn't ask "Can we?" but "When do we get started?" He praised the community for coming together.

The first medals will be awarded in para-powerlifting on Friday evening. The Games run for 10 days, concluding with the closing ceremony on 2 August.