King Charles and Queen Camilla issue joint statement ahead of summer break


His Majesty King Charles commemorated the end of the Commonwealth Games with a message full of personal touches


King Charles was faced with a bee in his vision© Getty Images
Melanie Macleod
Melanie MacleodDeputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor
2 minutes ago
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Summer is traditionally a quieter time for the royals, with members of the family dispersing around the country to enjoy a break from their official duties.

Prince William and Princess Kate often head to Norfolk to enjoy family time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, while King Charles and Queen Camilla prefer to spend their downtime in Balmoral, enjoying the cooler Scottish air – much like King Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth, did.

Before going their separate ways, His Majesty King Charles took the opportunity to issue a message to the public, speaking about the 'great pleasure' he felt in July, as he marked the end of the Commonwealth Games.

King Charles in a blue suit stands next to Queen Camilla in a red coat and red hat, both smiling.© Samir Hussein./WireImage
The royal couple released a statement ahead of their summer break

Rather than a simple message, the King made light-hearted pop culture references in his statement, as well as including a nod to his passion for looking after the environment.

King Charles' heartfelt message

As the games, which were held in Glasgow, came to a close, King Charles said: "My wife and I would like to extend our warmest thanks to all those who played a part in making the XXIII Commonwealth Games such a wonderful success."

He continued: "It was a great pleasure to be able to open the Games as part of a magnificently executed ceremony celebrating Glasgow, Scotland and the enduring bonds of our

 King Charles III and Queen Camilla walk on stage during the opening ceremony© Getty Images
King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the opening ceremony ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

"You have worked tirelessly, with creativity, dedication and vigour, to deliver ten days of exhilarating sporting competition, along with cultural and artistic celebration."

Showing his trademark sense of humour, His Royal Highness went on to mention Doctor Who, joking: "I know that the efforts such an endeavour demands from organisers, officials, volunteers and staff are - just like a certain blue telephone box - far larger than they may appear from the outside…"

King Charles and Queen Camilla are big Doctor Who fans!© Getty Images
King Charles and Queen Camilla are big Doctor Who fans!

As someone who is dedicated to the environment, the King made a nod to the eco-conscious efforts of the games, stating: "Developing and realising a climate-conscious, deliverable model for this year's Games has been a significant achievement."

He concluded: "The Games have served as a stage for outstanding athletic excellence, a joyful celebration of all that unites our Commonwealth nations and a powerful reminder of sport's ability to bring nations and generations closer together.

"I send my heartfelt congratulations to all those competitors who were victorious, while hoping that each and every one of you who participated, or contributed, will look back on these Games with immense pride in what you have accomplished."

King Charles' happy week

His Royal Highness appears to be getting stuck into life in Scotland, where he'll be spending his summer break.

Looking dapper in his kilt, King Charles attended the Mey Highland Games, watching a tug o' war between a group of firefighters, as well as the stone put and the caber toss.

King Charles III in traditional Highland dress enjoys a dram during the 2026 Mey Highland Games at John O'Groats Showground on August 01, 2026 in John O'Groats, Scotland. (Photo by Martin Grimes/Getty Images)© Getty Images
King Charles III in traditional Highland dress enjoys a dram during the 2026 Mey Highland Games

Never one to miss out on a tipple, the King also indulged in a dram of whiskey – it would be rude not to!



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