Queen to skip C'wealth Games

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said the Queen had a tight autumn schedule which makes it impossible for her to visit Delhi for the October 3-14 Games.

“It is correct to say that the Queen will not be attending the Commonwealth Games this year. The sheer volume of engagements this autumn, coupled with other overseas visits, means she will not be able to attend,” the spokesman said.

“Prince Charles will represent the Royal Family in India and a message of support from the Monarch to the athletes will be read out,” he added.

Chairman of the Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi said the OC was fine with the Queen skipping the event and is ready to welcome Prince Charles as representative of the royal family.

Kalmadi said, “The Queen has confirmed that Prince Charles will be coming as her representative. We are alright with it. The Queen had attended the Baton Relay Ceremony at Buckingham palace and this time she is sending the Prince,” Kalmadi said.

“Also Prince Edwards, the Earl of Wessex, will be coming as vice-patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Charles would represent the Queen and it’s okay,” Kalmadi, also the President of the Indian Olympic Association, said.

It will be for the first time in 44 years that the Queen will miss the Commonwealth Games.