'Re-imagined' Commonwealth Games officially open as King Charles arrives in Tardis

"It is now my great pleasure to declare the 23rd Commonwealth Games open."King Charles has officially launched the Glasgow Commonwealth Games at an opening ceremony reflecting the "re-imagined" nature of the event, after arriving in Dr Who's Tardis.The multi-sport spectacular that has bounced from one host city to another due to financial concerns has settled at the Scottish city, which staged the Games only 12 years ago."Glasgow didn't ask, 'Can we?'" said organising committee chair George Black. "We asked, 'When do we get started?'"The Commonwealth Games matter and the world deserves to see them."For the first time, the opening ceremony was held indoors at the OVO Hydro, with limited seating capacity, but managed to capture the understated nature of a Games that has seen its schedule slashed to fit the occasion.Weightlifter David Liti carried the NZ flag into the auditorium, with judoka Moira de Villiers bearing the relay baton designed by each team and planted around the stage."Tonight, every flag is equal," declared Commonwealth Sport president Dr Ronald Rukare. "This is not just competition, but connection."Daivd Liti and Moira de Villiers lead the NZ team into the Glasgow Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.Jayne Russell/PhotosportThe Commonwealth Sport flag is raised at OVO Hydro.Michael Steele/Getty ImagesPerformers translate Glasgow's history into song and dance.Michael Steele/Getty ImagesA piper performs 'Flower of Scotland' at the Games opening ceremony.Michael Steele/Getty Images'Nessie' makes an appearance at the opening ceremony.Molly Darlington/Getty ImagesNew Zealand arrive at the Games opening ceremony, led by David Liti and Moira de Villiers.Michael Steele/Getty ImagesEach team styalised their own relay baton for presentation at the opening ceremony.Aaron Chown/Getty ImagesAnd you can see how it unfoloded in our blog: