The Queen’s Baton Relay
The Queen’s Baton Relay is one of the greatest traditions of the
Commonwealth Games. It was introduced at the British Empire and
Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales in 1958. From then it has
developed into a symbol of unity and diversity, binding all the
nations and territories of the Commonwealth with the solitary
message of ‘peace and harmony through sports’.
The relay traditionally commences at Buckingham Palace, London,
on Commonwealth Day, with H.M. The Queen placing her ‘message to
the athletes’ within the baton. The baton is then passed on to the
first honorary relay runner and from there its journey officially
begins.
The relay ends at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. It is
here that H.M. The Queen, or Her Representative, is given the baton
and the hidden message is read aloud officially declaring the Games
open.
Since its introduction the relay has progressed and developed in
both scale and significance – including more nations, involving
more participants and generating more excitement than ever before.
The Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay will visit all 71 nations and
territories of the Commonwealth, including travelling throughout
Scotland in the lead up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Further details will be available as planning for this
extraordinary event continues.