FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the King’s Baton Relay?
The King’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates, embraces and connects communities across the Commonwealth, as the countdown to the Commonwealth Games
It’s an epic journey across the world, with Batons visiting all 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, reaching the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and Europe. A Baton will be created for each nation and territory, for them to customise and decorate with their culture and creativity.
The Batons each carry part of a message from His Majesty King Charles III to the Commonwealth and its athletes.
When does the King’s Baton Relay begin?
The Relay will begin on 10 March 2025 at Buckingham Palace, where His Majesty King Charles III, as Head of the Commonwealth, will place His Message to the Commonwealth into the first Baton.
How long does the King’s Baton Relay last?
The Relay will last for 500 days. It begins on 10 March 2025 and ends at the Glasgow 2026 Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2026.
Where does the King’s Baton travel?
The Relay will travel to every corner of the Commonwealth, visiting all 74 nations and territories on the journey to the Commonwealth Games.
When does the King’s Baton Relay travel through Scotland?
The King’s Baton Relay will travel through Scotland in July 2026. More information will be made available about these plans later this year.
When will details of the route in Scotland be announced?
The details of when and where the Baton will travel through Scotland will be made available later this year.
Who can carry the Baton?
Thousands of Batonbearers - inspiring individuals striving for change in their community – will be chosen to take on the once-in-a-lifetime role of carrying the Baton in their nation or territory.
How many Batonbearers will there be?
Tens of thousands of Batonbearers will take part across the Commonwealth throughout the entire Relay.
Who designed the Baton?
The Baton has been specially designed, engineered and handmade in Glasgow by skilled makers from a social enterprise named Galgael and master craftsman Tim Norman. The Baton design celebrates the beauty of local natural, sustainable materials and creates a beautiful blank canvas for customisation.
