Handshakes and republicanism mark first day on the Gold Coast
THE OPENING ceremony featured a performance from Australian singer and former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem, as well as nods to the country’s indigenous culture and the Gold Coast’s famous surfing lifestyle.
The Games baton had travelled around 70 nations and territories over 388 days, starting its journey at Buckingham Palace.
Charles, who last attended the Commonwealth Games on behalf of the Queen in Delhi in 2010, is now embarking on a seven-day tour of Australia, which will see him visit cities including Darwin and the South Pacific island of Vanuatu.
After arriving to crowds of well-wishers in Brisbane earlier in the day, he and Camilla were greeted at the opening ceremony by Peter Beattie, chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation, and by Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, a pro-republican, was also part of the welcoming party, having earlier met the royal couple at a reception hosted by the Governor-General of Australia, Peter Cosgrove.
The prince is due to meet Mr Turnbull again in the coming days, and will also present medals to swimmers at the tournament.
His visit comes after Australia’s former prime minister Paul Keating claimed earlier this week that Charles would support Australia cutting ties with the monarchy.
Mr Keating said: “He believes Australia should be free of the British monarchy.”