The Prince of Wales, 73, was visiting the Athletes’ Village at the University of Birmingham this afternoon when he went through a metal detector. The opening ceremony will take place tonight at 7 p.m.
Eyewitnesses described Charles’ visit as “very prompt”.
Birmingham Live reporter Husna Anjum said: “The athletes were very happy to see him.
“One of the athletes from Sierra Leone said she was so happy to see him and even bowed a little.
“Prince Charles made a few jokes like he did with the Australian team, so obviously he still has that sense of humor. But overall everyone was really excited to see him.”
The Commonwealth Games kick off tonight with a magnificent opening ceremony and a performance by the Red Arrows.
Prince Charles is in Birmingham tonight to represent the Queen at the Alexander Stadium event.
About 3,500 athletes and technical officials will be staying at the Athletes’ Village in the coming weeks.
An estimated 35,000 people will attend tonight’s event at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, with a further one million expected to be at home.
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Charles then walked through the Commonwealth Games welcome sign, to a path flanked by Commonwealth flags.
During his visit, he met about 122 athletes from 61 teams.