f you want electric atmosphere the swimming finals at the Aquatic Centre in the balmy open air and the cycling finals at the Velodrome are hard to beat. So last night Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall split as each royal headed off to a different venue. Both joined the crowds to cheer and whoop – they didn’t actually whoop, but certainly joined the applause – and then they both handed out winners’ medals to surprised athletes who had no idea they would receive their medal from a royal.
The Prince of Wales stepped out of his royal motorcade to a special welcome from Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin, Games Corporation chairman Peter Beattie, Samantha Riley and federal Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie and Leo the guide dog, who received a royal pat as he guided photographer Andrew Follows.
The Prince with Samantha Riley
Prince Charles is never not smiling!
Once inside, though, Charles joined the spectators in the stands. His Royal Highness bagged a seat next to Australian swimming royalty, Olympic medallist Samantha Riley, who proceeded to charm the Prince of Wales with insider tales.The only problem was for whom should he barrack – England, Scotland, Canada or Australia? He’s Heir Apparent to them all, after all. In the end the King-in-waiting diplomatically clapped politely for everyone. Very wise!
He had just missed the incredible women’s 400m individual medley swim, which was won by Aimee Willmott from England, but did see his countrywoman receive the gold medal and the royal stood with pride as the English anthem Jerusalem was played.
Prince Charles eventually left his seat to walk round to the other side of the swimming pool and hand out medals for the women’s 200m freestyle, won by Canadian Taylor Ruck ahead of Aussies Ariarne Titmus and Emma McKeon, as well as the men’s S14 200m freestyle which was won by Englishman Thomas Hammer, with Aussies Liam Schlutter winning silver and Daniel Fox, bronze.
The Prince presenting medals to worthy swimming recipients at the Commonwealth Games.
Cycling for the Duchess
Meanwhile earlier in the evening the Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed a high-energy night at the Anna Meares Velodrome watching track cycling finals. Camilla was wearing a favourite champagne chiffon silk dress with a monochrome flower print by her favoured designer Anna Valentine, and tan heels and looked very elegant, as she has in every outfit of her tour so far.
The Duchess was warmly welcomed at the venue entrance by three-time Olympian and Games ambassador, Anna Meares and then went inside to view the men’s B&Vi 1000m time-trial and women’s 4000m team pursuit final.
The Duchess cheering on cycling hopefuls at the Games.
Like Charles, Camilla presented medals to cycling winners at the Games.
The duo, now firm friends, shared a balcony with spectators including an enthusiastic group who jumped, cheered and waved Scottish flags when Neil Fachie set a Commonwealth Games record in the men’s para-sport event. The roar of the crowd was at times deafening, but Camilla seemed to enjoy the atmosphere, clapping and smiling throughout the evening and even joining in the rapturous applause of the proud home crowd – who shouted “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi” – as the Australian women’s team pursuit squad claimed gold.
The medallists beamed and thanked the Duchess as she awarded the medals and stood for the national anthems of Scotland and Australia.
Duties over both royals left, though it looked as if they would have liked to stay.
Follow Juliet’s LIVE coverage of Prince Charles and Camilla’s royal Commonwealth Games tour, follow her on Twitter @JulietRieden.
