The Prince and Princess of Wales brought their three children to watch some of the final sporting events at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Saturday. The family first saw New Zealand beat England 61-54 in the netball semi-finals at the city’s OVO Hydro before heading to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
What did the royal family see at the OVO Hydro?
Cheering crowds at the OVO Hydro were treated to exhilarating performances in the netball semi-finals as the family watched New Zealand’s 61-54 win over England. Princess Catherine and Charlotte also took the time to take photos with the Team Scotland netball players, who lost to Uganda on Thursday and missed their chance to finish third.
Prince William chatted animatedly to athletes during the game, while Louis listened intently to his father William and George kept his attention on the match. Games mascot Finnie also gave George and Charlotte a chuckle as the family met hard-working Games volunteers, and Charlotte and Finnie exchanged a high five.
Where did they go after the netball?
The family then made their way to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, where they chatted to British cyclist Laura Kenny and sat one row behind Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy. Known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland, the couple also spent time meeting athletes, staff and volunteers during a slightly blustery visit to the venue on the River Clyde.
The youngest of the children, Louis, enjoyed himself at the velodrome, while the visit gave the royal family another chance to see the Games close up. The Prince and Princess of Wales laughed with Laura Kenny while sitting behind Sir Chris Hoy.
What do Saturday’s results mean for the medal matches?
Saturday’s netball results mean Jamaica and New Zealand will battle it out for the gold on Sunday during some of the final medal awards of the tournament. England will also try to deny Australia a consolation bronze, before teams transform the Hydro from a netball court back to a gig venue for the closing ceremony on Sunday night.
The venue will be turned around in just six hours. It has been a scaled-down version of the Games, with 215 medals awarded across 10 sports, however it has hosted a record 47 para-sports events.
Why is Glasgow hosting the Games?
Glasgow stepped in to host the tournament for the second time in eight years when Australian state Victoria pulled out due to soaring costs. The city has staged the Games again after originally being called on to save the event from cancellation.
What happened at the opening ceremony?
King Charles and Queen Camilla emerged from a Tardis during the spectacular opening ceremony last Thursday. Flags from 74 nations and territories were carried into the arena during the event, which also featured the Loch Ness monster and performances from Nathan Evans, Tom Walker and KT Tunstall.
What will happen at the closing ceremony?
Simple Minds are due to perform at the closing ceremony alongside Scottish performers Cammy Barnes, BEMZ and Sandi Thom. Organisers say it will
"highlight the people who made the Games possible, the pride of the host city and the iconic sporting triumphs".
The curtain call will also be played out by Highland folk and electronic band Elephant Sessions, while Scottish singer Shereen Cutkelvin will mark the ceremonial flag handover.
Community groups and cultural organisations will also be involved. Australian artist Delta Goodrem will perform a homage to Scotland at the closing ceremony 20 years after she sang in Melbourne 2006.
What comes next for the Commonwealth Games?
Ahmedabad in the west of India is set to host the centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030. Shankar Mahadevan, one of Bollywood’s greatest vocalists, and actress Rashmika Mandanna are set to take to the stage as the baton is passed over.
The Duchess and Charlotte also posted for a photo with the Team Scotland women’s netball team, while the family’s appearances across the venues added to the atmosphere at the final days of the Games.
