Prince Charles channels James Bond for Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

The Commonwealth Games have officially begun, with Prince Charles speaking on behalf of the Queen for the opening ceremony.

Arriving as dapper as ever, The Prince of Wales and his Wife Camilla rolled into the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in his classic Aston Martin.

Channelling a Bond movie, Charles stepped out of his coveted navy car with a dashing pin-striped navy suit and light blue tie.

The Duchess of Cornwall looked the part of a Bond Girl in a chic, black jumpsuit and her signature blow-out hairstyle.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have arrived at the #B2022 Opening Ceremony!@ClarenceHouse | @Birminghamcg22 | @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/vuJGJ6u8LH

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 28, 2022

Declaring the Games open, Charles read out his mother’s speech.

“On October 7th last year, this specially created Baton left Buckingham Palace to travel across the Commonwealth,” Charles said.

“Over the past 294 days, it has carried not only my message to you, but also the shared hopes and dreams of each nation and territory through which it passed, as it made its way to Birmingham.

“Over the years, the coming together of so many for the ‘Friendly Games’ has created memorable shared experiences, established long-standing relationships, and even created some friendly rivalries.

“But above all, they remind us of our connection with one another, wherever we may be in the world, as part of the Commonwealth family of nations.

“Tonight, in the words of the founder of the Games, we embark once again on a novel adventure here in Birmingham, a pioneering city which has drawn in and embraced so many throughout its history.

“It is a city symbolic of the rich diversity and unity of the Commonwealth, and one which now welcomes you all in friendship.

“My warmest thanks go to all those who have worked so hard to ensure the success of this particularly special sporting event, and I wish each athlete and team every success.

“Your hard work and dedication, particularly in recent times, have been an inspiration to all of us.

“It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 22nd Commonwealth Games open.”

The Prince of Wales reads The Queen’s message as he officially opens the @birminghamcg22 Commonwealth Games.@ClarenceHouse | @thecgf | @BBCSport

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 28, 2022

Taking to social media before the Games began, Her Majesty showed a glimpse of her signing the message delivered by her son.

✍️ In October 2021, The Queen signed a message for the #B2022 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay.

After a 90,000 mile journey around the Commonwealth, tonight Her Majesty’s message will be revealed at the @birminghamcg22 Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/MVR8tdD3JJ

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 28, 2022

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other members of the Royal Family are expected to travel to Birmingham over the next 11 days to watch the Games.