Queen ‘delighted’ as Commonwealth Games pay subtle tribute to Prince Philip | Royal | News

Her Majesty was absent from the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Thursday evening. Nevertheless, she probably watched the spectacle from her Scottish home in Balmoral, where she spent most of her summers with… Prince Philip.

From there, royal biographer Robert Hardman said: Queen must have been “delighted” to see the organizers pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh during part of the show.

One of the themes addressed at the grand ceremony was the automotive industry, which made Birmingham famous in the 20th century.

To emphasize the importance of this industry to England’s second city, 72 cars made in Birmingham were driven into the arena – one for each area participating in the Games.

The red, white and blue cars came together harmoniously to create a giant Union Flag.

In the center was a Land Rover, a car of which the Duke of Edinburgh was famous, with the sign reading “HRH PP” – His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

Reflecting on this moment of the opening ceremony, Mr Hardman wrote in the Daily Mail: “On the rear of the Land Rover was the registration number: HRH PP.

“This was a tribute to the late Prince Philipwhich famously went to its maker last year aboard a very similar vehicle.

“When I watch it all on television in Balmoral, I can safely say that the Queen must have been delighted.

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“While absent from the proceedings, her lasting influence has been a recurring sight on the giant video screens, from past Commonwealth tours right through to her recent anniversary.”

In the car was mezzo-soprano Samantha Oxborough, who sang the national anthem, accompanied by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and a choir.

Land Rovers have played a key role in honoring Prince Philip since his death.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin was famously carried from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel on the day of his funeral atop a custom Land Rover he designed.

NOT MISSING

Last July, Kate is said to have paid tribute to Prince Philip by having Prince George sit on a Land Rover as he posed for his annual birthday portrait, which was later released to the public.

Prince Charles represented his mother, who has episodic mobility issues, at the opening ceremony.

In a poignant moment, he unsealed and read the Commonwealth Games message that the Queen had written last October and put in the Baton, which has covered more than 90,000 miles in the past nine months, landing in all 72 areas that participated in the event.

In her statement, the monarch recalled sending the Baton away from the gates of Buckingham Palace in early October, in a ceremony also attended by Prince Edward.

The message read: “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 as it made 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.”

The Queen further praised Birmingham as a “pioneering city that has attracted and embraced so many throughout its history”.

Finally, the Sovereign warmly thanked the people who worked in the organization of this edition of the Games, which ended on August 8, and wished all athletes “all the best”.

Also in attendance at yesterday’s ceremony were Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Other working royals are expected to head to Birmingham during the Games, including Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William.

The Princess Royal is expected to attend the Games today with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence.