The Queen has asked Prince Charles to act as her representative at the 2018 Commonwealth Games which are to be held in Australia.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place in April next year; 70 Commonwealth nations and territories will be taking part.
While representing The Queen, Prince Charles will officially open the games and read out The Queen’s customary message which will call upon athletes to come together in the spirit of competition.
The Queen’s message is currently in a baton going on a 388-day journey across all the nations and territories of the Commonwealth. The message launched at Buckingham Palace in March 2017.
The announcement has ended speculation over whether or not The Queen would make the trip to Australia. The announcement follows Prince Philip’s retirement from official engagements which was announced earlier this year. Recently, The Queen has cut down on long-haul flights
The Queen’s last trip to Australia in 2011 was expected to be her last at the time.
The Queensland Minister for Tourism, Kate Jones, said that the royal visit by Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall was “wonderful news” for the tourist industry. It would help bring “millions of dollars” of “priceless” advertising to the region.
Prince Charles has attended the Commonwealth Games seven times. He last opened the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games on behalf of The Queen alongside the then Indian President Pratibha Patil. The Queen, as patron, declared the Glasgow 2014 Games open.
Prince Charles and his wife last visited Queensland in 2012 during a stopover in Longreach.
They were formally invited to the 2018 games in March by the Queensland Premier, Anastacia Palaszczuk
The Earl of Wessex will also attend the 2018 Games serving in his role as Vice Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
The host for the 2022 Commonwealth Games has yet to be determined.
