26 July 2002: The Queen tours Commonwealth Games venues As the Commonwealth Games got off to a start on 26 July 2002, The Queen and Prince Philip toured some of the venues where sporting competitions were already underway. On the agenda were a hockey match, a badminton game, and visits to the Commonwealth Games village to meet athletes taking part in the 'friendly games'. The Queen began her sporting tour with a visit to the hockey competition, taking place in Manchester. There Her Majesty met members of the Australia and Scotland teams, before travelling to the National Squash Centre, also in Manchester, to meet competitors and watch a match. From there The Queen travelled on to the Commonwealth Games Main Accreditation and Uniform Centre, in the Openshaw district of the city. She met volunteers and staff and saw the uniforms provided for those helping the games run smoothly. In the meanwhile, The Duke of Edinburgh carried out a separate programme. His Royal Highness visited the Bolton Arena to watch the badminton competition, and Heaton Park, where the Commonwealth Games lawn bowls championship was underway. In the afternoon, The Queen and Prince Philip visited the Commonwealth Games Village in South Manchester, meeting athletes, volunteers and staff, before joining them for lunch. Back to July index