New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) Even though Queen Elizabeth will skip the Commonwealth Games, there will be another addition from the royal family at the opening ceremony – Camilla, who will join her husband Charles, the Prince of Wales.
According to an external affairs ministry official, the British government has confirmed that that 62-year-old wife of the heir to the British throne, will also be in Delhi to attend the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games Oct 3.
Her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, by not attending the Games inauguration will break a 40-year-old tradition. Last month, the Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that due to a very packed schedule, the Queen will not be able to attend the event.
It was then stated that only Prince Charles would be attending the event.
Now with his wife joining him, the royal wattage has certainly doubled at the Commonwealth Games.
The couple had earlier visited India in 2006, a year after they got married in 2005.
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee is expecting to receive over 100,000 spectators and delegates during the Games. A budget of Rs.11,494 crore (Rs.114.9 billion) has been earmarked for the successful conduct of the Games scheduled Oct 3-14 in the Indian capital.
A total of 51 Commonwealth countries are participating in the mega-event.