Royals

Camilla flicks through magazine, appears bored at Games opening

Apr 05, 2018

Prince Charles and Camilla enter the arena for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Source: Getty

The Commonwealth Games has kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony delighting competitors and millions of sports fans around the world.

While it difficult for many to tear their eyes away from the colourful show at the Gold Coast’s Carrara Stadium, one woman looked less than impressed wth the display: the Duchess of Cornwall.

Camilla joined Prince Charles at the ceremony where he officially opened the Games on behalf of the Queen, however, cameras caught the Duchess looking a little bored on multiple occasions and at one point showed her flicking through a magazine during the performance.

To be fair, not even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull looked enthralled with the ceremony, but it didn’t take long for Aussies to take to social media and call out Camilla for her demeanour.

https://twitter.com/matthew_mitcham/status/981509399368712194

https://twitter.com/realpaulhogan/status/981502695449100288

Disgraceful showing by the royals, especially Camilla who is not even trying to look interested. I’m sure Diana would not have been flicking through a magazine whilst being formally welcomed. #OpeningCeremony

— Lisa Auciello (@lisaauc) April 4, 2018

Cheer up Camilla, they've still got a Sizzler at mermaid Beach on the GC#GC2018 pic.twitter.com/rt6Cvy8e3W

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) April 4, 2018

While neither Camilla or Charles were handing out many smiles on the night, the future king sang a different tune when he delivered his speech at the end of the evening.

“My wife and I could not be more delighted to be able to join all of you here on the Gold Coast this evening,” he said.

“Over the past 388 days, on its journey from Buckingham Palace to the Gold Coast, the Baton relay has passed through every nation and territory of the Commonwealth. I have no doubt that the Baton and its carriers have been warmly welcomed by the many thousands of people who have lined the route.

“Over the years, these Friendly Games have shown the potential of the Commonwealth to connect people of different backgrounds and nationalities.

“As you come together at the start of these Games, I continue to be inspired by the courage, enthusiasm and dedication of all those taking part. I send my warm wishes to every competing individual and team and to all those who have helped to bring about the first Commonwealth Games in this very special part of Australia, the Gold Coast.”

Charles’ speech topped off a spectacular night of fanfare with performances from Delta Goodrem, Ricki-Lee Coulter, and Christine Anu. Dozens of aboriginal performers kicked off the show with a moving story of indigenous history and culture, before Ricki-Lee led hundreds of dancers, some professional and some local volunteers, in a lively beach song and dance.

While the show was designed to capture the imagination, some viewers at home weren’t impressed and described it as about “as interesting as watching paint dry”.

“That is 3 1/2 hours of my life I will never get back,” one Starts at 60 reader wrote on Facebook.

“P.C. on steroids, boring waste of time and money. Cringeworthy crap,” said another. Others described it as “seriously underwhelming” and “disappointing”.

One of the most viral moments of the night came when one of the dancers in the beach song accidentally flashed her bare bottom to the entire world.

A dancer gave the world a clear view of her behind.

“Well let just say it wasn’t the full moon I was expecting on the Gold Coast,” quipped one cheeky viewer.

The competition officially kicks off today at the pool, with Aussies Mack Horton, Cameron McEvoy and Cate Campbell expected to sail through to the finals.