Prince of Wales Previews Queen's Baton in Singapore

In Singapore for a three-day visit, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has previewed the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Queen’s Baton during its history-making journey through the Commonwealth.

The specially designed Baton carries a message from Her Majesty The Queen. On 4 April 2018, after a record 388 days, the Baton will arrive at the Opening Ceremony of GC2018 and Her Majesty’s representative, Prince Charles, will remove the message and read it aloud to declare the XXI Commonwealth Games open.

The heir to the British throne and his wife Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, met with athletes and para athletes who are aiming to be at GC2018 representing Singapore, including Clarence Chew (table tennis, Glasgow 2014 – gold) who was tasked with presenting the royal couple with the Baton. They also met Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore's most decorated para-athlete who competes in swimming.

Her Majesty launched the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) on Commonwealth Day 13 March 2017 when she placed Her message inside of the Baton and handed it to the first Batonbearer, Australian track cycling legend Anna Meares OAM.

Since its launch from Buckingham Palace, the Baton has engaged with thousands of people from all nations and territories of Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe and Asia. Singapore marks the last stop in Asia before the Baton continues to Oceania.

The Baton arrives into Brisbane on Christmas eve and will embark upon a 100-day journey starting Christmas Day. Around the country, 3,800 Australians will help carry the Baton to its final destination, the Gold Coast, for the Games’ Opening Ceremony.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Sarah Owens – sarah.owens@goldoc.com / +61 481 916 084

Public Relations Officer, Queen’s Baton Relay

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

BACKGROUND

The GC2018 Relay is the longest and most accessible in history, travelling through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and 230,000 kilometres.

The Baton set off from Buckingham Palace on 13 March 2017 and continues to connect the Gold Coast with the entire Commonwealth. It’s a tradition that builds excitement in the lead up to the Games.

The Baton engages with all Commonwealth nations and territories of Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania for 288 days before it arrives in Australia for a further 100 days.

In Australia, 3,800 batonbearers will carry the Baton through 181 Celebration Communities in every state and territory.

The GC2018 Queen’s Baton design captures the boundless energy of Gold Coast and reflects its people, place and spirit. In form and inspiration, the Baton is a symbol of our past, present and future.

Sustainability is a priority for the GC2018 Relay and care is taken to ensure the Relay leaves positive economic, environmental and social legacies.

The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message from the Baton and read it aloud at the GC2018 Opening Ceremony on 4 April 2018. According to tradition, the Monarch’s message declares the Games open.