he Prince of Wales has said that the Commonwealth Games “reminds us of our bond with each other…as a family of nations” as he officially opened the event on behalf of the Queen.
Fireworks, a music set from our own city Duran Duran and a 10-metre-tall bull greeted a sold-out crowd at Perry Barr’s Alexander Stadium on Thursday night for the UK’s biggest sporting event since the 2012 London Olympics.
Charles said Birmingham is “symbolic of the rich diversity and unity of the Commonwealth” as part of his short speech at the ceremony, which was composed by renowned artistic director Iqbal Khan.
Charles was not the only high-profile speaker at the event, as an activist Malala Yousafzai spoke about how “every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue their wildest dreams”.
In a short but powerful message, the activist and author said competitors represented millions of children and “our shared hope for the future”.
“Tonight teams from 72 countries and territories join the people of Birmingham to celebrate friendship across borders,” she said.
“The young athletes who will compete in the coming weeks represent millions of girls and boys across the Commonwealth – our shared hope for the future. A future where every child can go to school, where women can participate freely in society, where families can live in peace and dignity.
“As we look at the incredible athletes of the Commonwealth Games over the next two weeks, remember that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue their wildest dreams.”
The Duchess of Cornwall accompanied her husband as they entered the arena in a blue soft-top Aston Martin DB6 Volante – the car used to leave their 2011 wedding – to great cheers from the crowd.
The pair then stood on a platform while 72 other red-white-blue cars with links to the Birmingham auto industry formed a Union Jack flag.
They then sat down as the team flew over the stadium with red arrows, leaving a red, white and blue trail.
Birmingham got the Games after South Africa’s scheduled host Durban withdrew due to financial difficulties.
Over the next 11 days, more than 5,000 athletes from 72 countries will compete in 280 events across 19 sports.
Addressing the crowd on behalf of the Queen, Charles said: “On October 7 last year, this specially created Baton left Buckingham Palace to tour the Commonwealth.
“Over the past 294 days, it has conveyed not only my message to you, but the shared hopes and dreams of every nation and territory it has passed through on its way to Birmingham.
“Over the years, the coming together of so many for the ‘Friendly Games’ has created memorable shared experiences, built lasting relationships and even created some friendly rivalries.
“But above all, they remind us of our bond with each other, wherever we are in the world, as part of the Commonwealth family of nations.”
Charles continued: “Tonight, in the words of the Games’ founder, we begin a new adventure here in Birmingham, a pioneering city that has attracted and embraced so many throughout its history.
“It is a city that symbolizes the rich diversity and unity of the Commonwealth and which now welcomes you all in friendship.
“I wish every athlete and team every success. Your hard work and dedication, especially in recent times, has been an inspiration to all of us.
“It gives me the greatest pleasure now to declare the 22nd Commonwealth Games open.”
In addition to Duran Duran, other West Midlands celebrities attended the ceremony, including comedian Sir Lenny Henry who kicked off the athletes’ parade.
The mechanical bull was a spectacle to many, but for the families of the victims of the Birmingham bombings, its introduction proved a touching moment, as their names were upside down.
Earlier before the ceremony, Charles posed for selfies and team photos as he toured the main athletes’ village.
He met sportsmen and sportswomen from dozens of countries and posed for group photos with teams such as Scotland, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and – of course – Wales.
On Thursday morning, Boris Johnson said he was “extremely confident” there would be a legacy of the £778million in taxpayers’ money that went into the games – which are being held as the country faces a cost of living crisis.
The outgoing Prime Minister told the Commonwealth Business Forum in the city of West Midlands: “You can feel the excitement here in this mighty city of Birmingham, as the athletes are already here by the thousands, from 56 countries, 72 countries and territories around the world. ”
He added: “Should we have done with the pressure on the cost of living? Will there be a legacy of the £778 million in tax money that went into these Games?
“And now I want you to know that I’m here to tell you that I have every confidence that the answer to that question is yes. A thousand times, yes.
“I say it because, almost exactly 10 years ago, I remember an identical moment of nerves just before the start of the 2012 London Games.”
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries also defended the cost of organizing the event, which had a budget of £778 million funded by the Birmingham Government and City Council.
In his speech, the prime minister joked that the “whole EU” should become a member of the Commonwealth.
“I think we’ve beaten France consistently. Every time we’ve beaten Germany consistently and more importantly, still, we’ve beaten Australia,” he said.
“And although France and Germany are not members of the Commonwealth, or not yet. Why not? Bring them in. Bring in the whole of the EU. A logical solution.”