King Charles III and Queen Camilla / Image: Getty Images
King Charles III made a dramatic surprise entrance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, stepping out of a life-sized TARDIS, the iconic blue time machine from the long-running British TV series. Doctor Who.The Queen, accompanied by Queen Camilla, emerged from the police station after a specially produced video showed the TARDIS traveling across Scotland, stopping at landmarks including Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral Castle. Scottish cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh appeared in the sequence before joining the royal couple on stage to huge applause from the audience.The theatrical entrance was more than just a visual spectacle. Organizers used the TARDIS as a tribute to one of Britain’s most popular TV franchises and Scottish cultural heritage. The traditional blue police boxes that inspired the TARDIS were designed by Scottish architect Gilbert Mackenzie Trench, while many Doctor Who The actors have Scottish roots, making the character a suitable choice for a Glasgow gig.
The opening ceremony also celebrated Scottish culture with music, dance and the appearance of the giant mechanical Loch Ness Monster, while more than 3,000 accomplished athletes and athletes from 74 countries and territories of the Commonwealth took part in the traditional parade.After the performance, King Charles removed the message he had placed inside the King’s Baton more than 500 days before officially declaring the 23rd Commonwealth Games open.
The King said: “As we gather, we celebrate the dedication and talent of every athlete and team. Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly await your achievements in the coming days.”He also highlighted the importance of tackling plastic pollution, saying the King’s Baton Relay had helped raise awareness of the need to protect our oceans and waterways.