By Joshua Dare-
Prince Charles delivered a message to open the Common Wealth Games in Australia.
Charles last opened the Commonwealth Games on behalf of the Queen in Delhi in 2010, and is now undertaking a seven-day tour of Australia where he will visit cities like Darwin and the South Pacific island of Vanuatu.
Accompanied by his wife, Camilla Parker, the couple were greeted at the opening ceremony by Peter Beattie, the chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, and Louise Martin, the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation.Australia’s Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, participated in the welcoming party after meeting the royal couple at a reception hosted by the Governor-General of Australia, Peter Cosgrove.
The prince is due to meet Mr Turnbull again in the coming days, and will also present medals to swimmers at the tournament.
Calling on all athletes to come together in the spirit of friendly competition, he said: “My wife and I could not be more delighted to be able to join all of you here on the Gold Coast this evening – and the many millions of you who are watching from your homes across the Commonwealth – for this spectacular opening ceremony of the 21st Commonwealth Games.”
SUPPORT
Prince Charles’s visit comes after Australia’s former prime minister Paul Keating claimed earlier this week that Charles would support Australia cutting ties with the monarchy and becoming a republic.
Mr Keating told the Sunday Times: “I have no doubt he believes Australia should be free of the British monarchy and that it should make its own way in the world.”
MESSAGE
The Queen’s message, contained inside the Games baton, said the ancient stories of Australia’s indigenous people “remind us that, even though we may be half a world away, we are all connected”.
It added: “Over the years, these friendly games have shown the potential of the Commonwealth to connect people of different backgrounds and nationalities.
“In this spirit of co-operation and togetherness, common ground has been established and enduring friendships forged.
“As you come together at the start of these Games, I continue to be inspired by the courage, en
