BIRMINGHAM 2022: READ QUEEN ELIZABETH'S SPEECH.(PHOTOS).#PRESS RELEASE.

“My warmest thanks go to all those who have worked so hard to ensure the success of this particularly special sporting event, and I wish each athlete and team every success.”

The Queen’s message for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games:

"WINDSOR CASTLE

On October 7th last year, this specially created Baton left Buckingham Palace

to travel across the Commonwealth. Over the past 294 days, it has carried not only

my message to you, but also the shared hopes and dreams of each nation and teritory

through which it passed, as it made its way to Birmingham.

Over the years, the coming together of so many for the "Friendly Games' has

created memorable shared experiences, established long standing relationships, and

even created some friendly rivalries! But above all they remind us of our connection

with one another, wherever we may be in the world, as part of the Commonwealth

family of nations.

Tonight, in the words of the founder of the Games, we embark once again on a

novel adventure here in Birmingham, a pioneering city which has drawn in and

embraced so many throughout its history. It is a city symbolic of the rich diversity

and unity of the Commonwealth, and one which now welcomes you all in friendship.

My warmest thanks go to all those who have worked so hard to ensure the

success of this particularly special sporting event, and I wish each athlete and team

every success. Your hard work and dedication, particularly in recent times, have been

an inspiration to all of us.

It now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 22nd Commonwealth

Games

open".

One more photo below.