Art Collections Online
Date: 1957
Media: silver gilt, enamel, hardwood
Size: diam(cm) : 4 x diam(in) : 1 9/16 x l(cm) : 40,diam
Acquired: 1958; Gift; Given at the request of Her Majesty the Queen
Accession Number: NMW A 50721
This is the original baton used during the opening ceremony for the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, held in Cardiff in 1958. The baton contained a message from Queen Elizabeth II wishing the athletes a successful competition and was carried from Buckingham Palace to Cardiff Arms Park by a relay of runners before the Games began. At the opening ceremony it was presented to Prince Phillip by the rugby player, Ken Jones, who ran the final leg.
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