King Charles and Queen Camilla entered the Commonwealth Games in style – by taking a trip in the TARDIS.
The opening ceremony kicked off with Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh stepping into the blue box, known for its iconic appearances in Doctor Who, to make their way to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.
But first, a detour to Balmoral – which also involved a cameo from Time Lord Sylvester McCoy, who was left very confused after failing to find the TARDIS where he’d apparently left it.
However, Hoy and McHugh clearly didn’t have complete control of the console, with the TARDIS vworping its way through a variety of places including Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle, The Kelpies in Falkirk, the University of Glasgow, the Victorian Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Highlands in the Jurassic period.
Finally, the TARDIS materialised in the OVO Hydro, with the King and Queen stepping out to applause.
Doctor Who has plenty of links to Scotland, with four of the past Doctors being Scotsmen – Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant, Peter Capaldi, and Ncuti Gatwa.
The TARDIS is also based on a police box designed by Scottish architect Gilbert Mackenzie.
Doctor Who fans were delighted to see the tribute to the show, with one writing on X (formerly Twitter): You gotta love it #commonwealthgames Only bonkers Britain can open with a tardis!!! Bring on the weird and wonderful. God Bess Sir Chris Hoy.”
Another added: “Whoever had the idea of having the TARDIS at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony… I LOVE YOU.”
One more said: “Couldn’t have a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow without a TARDIS and a Scottish Doctor on hand…”
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Authors
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
