Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Indian President Pratibha Patil and Britain’s Prince Charles are likely to share the honours at the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) here Sunday in the absence of the Commonwealth head, Queen Elizabeth, sources in the Organising Committee (OC) said Monday.
British media reports quoting a spokeswoman at Clarence House, Prince Charles’s official London residence, said late Monday evening that the heir to the British throne will throw open the Games in Delhi Oct 3.

“Both the Prince of Wales and the president of India will have a prominent role in the opening ceremony in Delhi,” the spokeswoman said.

“The Queen has asked the Prince of Wales to represent her at the opening of the Commonwealth Games.

“We cannot be specific about the choreography but the Prince will read out the Queen’s baton message, ending by declaring the Games open,” she said.

Officials sources said in New Delhi that talks were still on between the OC and the Indian and British governments regarding the details.

The president’s office declined to comment if a decision had been taken on the role of the two dignatories at the inaugural function.

“OC chief Suresh Kalmadi and Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar will hold discussions regarding the inauguration programme. Efforts are on for a solution acceptable to all parties,” an OC official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

As per protocol, Queen Elizabeth should inaugurate the Games, organised among the countries which comprise the erstwhile British empire.

About 7,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries and territories will take part in the 11-day Games, the biggest sports event to be hosted by India after the 1982 Asiad.