The Queen's Baton Relay

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The Queen's Baton Relay, similar to the Olympic Torch Relay, is a relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games. The Baton carries a message from the Head of the Commonwealth, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Relay traditionally begins at Buckingham Palace in London as a part of the city's Commonwealth Day festivities. The Queen entrusts the baton to the first relay runner. At the Opening Ceremony of the Games, the final relay runner hands the baton back to the Queen or her representative, who reads the message aloud to officially open the Games.

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The Queen's Baton Relay from London to Gold Coast, Australia

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The Gold Coast 2018 Queen's Baton Relay will be the world's longest, most inclusive relay, travelling more than 180,000 kilometres and visiting all 70 nations that will send teams to the Commonwealth Games in approximately one year and one month (click here to see where the baton is travelling on its epic journey). It started on 13 March 2017 at Buckingham Palace in Mar '17 and will end in Gold Coast, Australia in April '18. It will carry a message from the Queen to the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

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At the commencement ceremony, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the Commonwealth and its athletes into the Baton and entrusted it to the first Batonbearer, Australian cycling legend and Olympic gold medallist Anna Meares. The message will be read at the opening ceremony of the Games in April next year.

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