King Charles III officially opened the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with an unconventional entrance emerging from the TARDIS, the time-traveling police box from the British science fiction television series "Doctor Who."
The opening ceremony for the 11-day event featured over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in 10 sports and six Para sports. Charles, in his capacity as head of the Commonwealth, formally commenced the Games.
The ceremony's prelude included a segment showcasing the TARDIS on a journey across Scotland, visiting notable locations such as Loch Ness, the Kelpies, and Edinburgh Castle, before collecting King Charles and Queen Camilla from Balmoral Castle. The TARDIS then materialized within the Hydro arena, appearing on a stage set designed as a garden, from which the King and Queen emerged and proceeded to the royal box.
This notable entrance follows a tradition of memorable appearances by British monarchs at major sporting events. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II famously appeared to skydive into the London Olympics opening ceremony alongside actor Daniel Craig, in a pre-recorded segment that began with her departure from Buckingham Palace.