Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was reportedly miffed that she wasn’t asked to speak at the dramatic opening of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, instead former premier, now head of the Gold Coast Games organising committee Peter Beattie opened the Games with a welcome speech. Politics aside, it was a genuinely poignant night celebrating reconciliation, the indigenous owners of this land, Queensland’s beaches and the true spirit of sportsmanship.
In the wake of the cricket ball tampering fiasco, the Games are a chance for Aussie sportsmen and women to reconnect with the joy of competing as part of the Commonwealth, the union of nations spearheaded by The Queen and at this Games watched over by Her Majesty’s first born, the Prince of Wales.
The heavens actually opened just in time for Prince Charles and his wife Camilla to arrive. The royal couple were greeted by Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin and Peter Beattie at the entrance to Carrara Stadium before being whisked straight up to a welcome reception.
The Duchess of Cornwall wore a very chic pale blue silk crepe dress with beaded motifs and piping, a creation by Anna Valentine – the same British luxury designer that made her wedding dress in 2005. She coupled it with an elegant pearl choker.
Upon arrival, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla were greeted by Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin and Peter Beattie.
The Duchess of Cornwall wore a pale blue silk crepe dress with beaded motifs and piping by Anna Valentine for the important event.
It wasn’t long before the heir to the throne was surrounded by the presidents and secretary-generals of all 71 Commonwealth Games associations. The Prince worked the room with ease, at one point stopping to speak with Kedrick Pickering, the deputy premier of the British Virgin Islands.
Prince Charles had visited the hurricane-hit Caribbean territory last November. “He brought attention to what happened and I said thanks,” Pickering said. So enthusiastic was the assembled horde that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull managed to skirt by unnoticed and into a nearby lift.
Australian Olympic beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook attempted to cajole The Duchess of Cornwall down to Coolangatta Beach before she leaves on Friday. “The beach volleyball is much more fun,” said Camilla, who will be busy completing her official engagements. “We could squeeze you in,” Cook replied as she snapped a quick selfie.
It wasn’t long before the 69-year-old royal was surrounded by the presidents and secretary-generals of all 71 Commonwealth Games associations.
He worked the room with ease, stopping to chat with many including Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk both pictured here.
And as the didgeridoo sounded to start the ceremony, the royal couple were escorted to their seats. Following performances from Christine Anu, the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Katie Noonan among others, the colourful parade of athletes and some unabashed shout outs for Gold Coast tourism….Prince Charles unlocked the message his mother had placed in the baton last year on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and read the Queen’s address.
“On Commonwealth Day last year, I placed this message into the impressive Baton. Over the past 388 days, on its journey from Buckingham Palace to the Gold Coast, the Baton relay has passed through every nation and territory of the Commonwealth. I have no doubt that the Baton and its carriers have been warmly welcomed by the many thousands of people who have lined the route.”
The Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony was a celebration of colour and zeal.
Ricki-Lee Coulter gave a rousing performance ahead of the royal’s speech.
“The ancient stories told by the indigenous people of Australia remind us that, even though we may be half a world away, we are all connected. Over the years, these Friendly Games have shown the potential of the Commonwealth to connect people of different backgrounds and nationalities. In this spirit of cooperation and togetherness, common ground has been established and enduring friendships forged.”
“As you come together at the start of these Games, I continue to be inspired by the courage, enthusiasm and dedication of all those taking part. I send my warm wishes to every competing individual and team and to all those who have helped to bring about the first Commonwealth Games in this very special part of Australia, the Gold Coast.”
Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, added the Prince, “it now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 21st Commonwealth Games open.”
Follow Juliet’s LIVE coverage of Prince Charles and Camilla’s royal Commonwealth Games tour, follow her on Twitter @JulietRieden.
