Her Majesty described the work of those who contributed to the success of the sporting event as “an inspiration to all of us”. The Queen added that it was her “greatest pleasure” to declare the Games open.
Prince Charles, accompanied by his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrived at the opening ceremony of the event tonight in an Aston Martin.
Seventy-two other cars, all red, white, or blue, also entered the ceremony and took over the formation of the Union Flag.
The Queen herself was unable to attend the event.
But she prepared a speech, which was read at the ceremony, held at Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, by her son, the Prince of Wales.
The Queen’s message read: “On October 7 last year, this specially created Baton left Buckingham Palace to travel across 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 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 long-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.
“Tonight, in the words of the Games founder, we embark on a new adventure here in Birmingham, a pioneering city that has attracted and embraced so many throughout its history.
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“It gives me the greatest pleasure now to declare the 22nd Commonwealth Games open.”
The Commonwealth Games were first introduced in 1930 and have been held every four years since then, with the exception of 1942 and 1946.
The monarch, who has opened every Commonwealth Baton Relay since 1958, serves as the patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, while Prince Edward has the honor of vice-patron.
However, on Thursday, at the opening ceremony, Charles was joined by Duchess Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.