The King's Baton Relay is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games. Started as the Queen's Baton Relay for the 1958 Games, the relay has been included in every games ever since.
The baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III. The King entrusts the baton with a message. At the opening ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the King , who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games.
For the first time ever, every Commonwealth nation and territory will receive their own Baton for their celebrations and have been asked to customise and decorate this Baton to represent their culture.
All 74 Batons will be reunited at the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2026, and today we saw it start its journey in London. Great privilege as part of the sports board to be there.
