All the Best Photos of the Royal Family at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Through the competition, expect to see famous faces—like Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Kate Middleton, and more royals—in the crowd.
The Commonwealth Games are akin to the Olympics; held every four years, they celebrate athletic achievement across the Commonwealth. Though there are 54 nations in the Commonwealth of Nations, more than 70 teams compete—for example, the United Kingdom sends four teams: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (At the Olympics, those four nations all compete under Team Great Britain.)
The Games are typically a big moment for the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth has served as head of the Commonwealth since her father King George VI's death, and in 2018, Prince Charles was announced to succeed the Queen. Queen Elizabeth is not expected to attend the Games, due to her ongoing mobility issues, but Charles will read a speech that includes a message from his mother.
Ahead of the Games, Buckingham Palace announced that numerous royals—including Prince William and Kate Middelton—will "attend events and engagements in celebration of the Games, as well as visiting the sporting venues, attending a range of fixtures and meeting athletes, volunteers and support staff helping to deliver the Commonwealth Games." Also in attendance will be Prince Edward, who has been Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Games since 1990, and has attended every edition of the games since Edinburgh 1986.
Here, see all the best photos of the royal family at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
We'll update this post as the Games continue.
Opening Ceremony
Charles and Camilla arrived at the Opening Ceremony in Charles's eco-friend Aston Martin, which runs on wine! (More on the vehicle here.)
Walking through security for a visit to the Athletes Village, the Prince of Wales looked a little nervous.
Here, he shares a smile with one of the performers at the festivities in honor of the Opening Ceremony.
Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted by Louise Martin, the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Camilla opted for a sailor-inspired jumpsuit for the event.
Prince Charles made a speech at the opening ceremony. In this picture, you can see his youngest brother, Prince Edward, looking on with a smile.
Buckingham Palace had previously announced that Prince Charles would be representing his mother at the event, as she is continuing to have episodic mobility issues.
"Over the years, the coming together of so many for the ‘Friendly Games’ has created memorable shared experiences, established long standing relationships, and even created some friendly rivalries. But above all they remind us of our connection with one another, wherever we may be in the world, as part of the Commonwealth family of nations," Prince Charles said in his speech. "Tonight, in the words of the founder of the Games, we embark once again on a novel adventure here in Birmingham, a pioneering city which has drawn in and embraced so many throughout its history. It is a city symbolic of the rich diversity and unity of the Commonwealth, and one which now welcomes you all in friendship."
"I wish each athlete and team every success. Your hard work and dedication, particularly in recent times, have been an inspiration to all of us. It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 22nd Commonwealth Games open."
Prince Edward and Sophie shared a laugh watching the ceremony.
Sophie chose a rich, jewel-toned dress for the event. She and Prince Edward both looked quite tan following their recent holiday in Corfu.
July 29
The Wessexes returned for the first official day of the Games to watch the Rugby Sevens competition alongside Princess Anne and her husband Sir Tim Laurence.
Sophie opted for a vibrant printed dress for the appearance.
July 30
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended the track cycling competition.
August 1
The entire Wessex family was in attendance for the third day of competition.
Lady Louise joined the heart jewelry trend.
The Countess of Wessex snapped some pics on her iPhone.
Sophie and James got extremely into the badminton competition.
August 2
Once again, the entire Wessex squad showed up to the Commonwealth Games together.
They were joined by Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Princess Charlotte.
Read more: Princess Charlotte Makes a Surprise Appearance at the Commonwealth Games
The Wessexes and the Cambridges sat in two rows to watch the swimming heats.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
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