The Queen formally declared the 20th Commonwealth Games open following a colourful ceremony at Glasgow's Celtic Park.

The head of the Commonwealth spoke of the "bonds that unite" the 71 nations and territories when she delivered her message which has travelled the world inside the Games baton.

There was a brief moment of embarrassment when the baton containing the Queen's message refused to open for Prince Imran of Malaysia, the president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, to release the manuscript. But Sir Chris Hoy, who had carried the baton to the prince, instinctively came to the rescue.

There were then loud cheers and applause as the Queen declared the competition open.

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