The Queen and the Commonwealth Games
Every four years representatives from Commonwealth countries come together to take part in the Commonwealth Games, one of the world’s largest sporting events.
The first Games The Queen attended were in Edinburgh in 1970, and she has since been present at either the opening or closing ceremonies regularly.
In 1958 The Queen started the Baton Relay, which marks the official countdown to the Games.
The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty places her message to the Commonwealth in the baton.
The Relay concludes at the Opening Ceremony, when the message is read aloud and the Games begin.