Queen starts Games baton relay

Britain's most successful Olympian Sir Chris Hoy told ITV News the Commonwealth Games holds "some of the most memorable moments" in his career as the Glasgow 2014 baton started its trip around the world.

The retired cyclist said he wanted to compete in the 2014 Games in front of his home crowd but "eventually the body gives up".

He added: "For me, some of the most memorable moments in my career came at a Commonwealth Games, my first ever individual gold medal came in 2002 in Manchester and I also won a gold medal in Melbourne in 2006 and these were real highlights of my career."

Pictures: Queen starts baton's journey around Commonwealth

The Queen has placed her private message to athletes inside the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games baton, which is now set for a 120,000 miles trip around the world.

Standing in the shadow of Buckingham Palace and with the Duke of Edinburgh by her side the Queen sent her baton on its 248-day journey around 70 nations and territories.

It will travel through Asia, Oceania, Africa, North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe - leaving for India tomorrow - before arriving back in Scotland in June next year.

The monarch placed the unique hand-crafted baton made of titanium, wood and granite into the hands of sprint legend Allan Wells, winner of four Commonwealth Golds and the 100 metre Olympic sprint title at the 1980 Moscow Games.

Read: Queen's message 'at the heart' of baton

Britain's most successful Olympian Sir Chris Hoy told ITV News his "body made the decision" not to compete in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Sir Chris added that he had "mixed feelings" about not taking part but looked forward to enjoying it as a spectator.

Pictures: Sir Chris Hoy carries Commonwealth Games baton to Palace

Sir Chris Hoy has made a triumphant journey to Buckingham Palace carrying the Commonwealth Games baton ahead of the start of the sporting event's global relay.

Britain's most successful Olympian was given the honour of processing the symbol of Glasgow 2014 down The Mall before the Queen launches the baton on its epic trip.

The cyclist, who has retired from competitive racing after winning a clutch of Olympic, World and Commonwealth titles, was joined by the Pipes and Drums 1st Battalion Scots Guards and the Pipes and Drums 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Royal Scots Borderers).

Scottish athlete Allan Wells will start the Commonwealth relay after the queen hands him the ceremonial baton at Buckingham Palace later today, according to Games officials.

Mr Wells took home gold in 100 metres and silver in the 200 metres at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

The baton will go on to visit every nation and territory of the Commonwealth, travelling through Asia, Oceania, Africa, North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Photos of the baton for next year's Commonwealth Games have been released and a secret message to athletes written by the Queen is "at the heart" of the design.

Her majesty's message is inscribed on parchment made by hand in Glasgow, using linen and plant fibre.

It will be lit up from within by LED lights, but remain unreadable until the opening ceremony.

Organisers said the lattice is inspired by Glasgow's "rich industrial and architectural heritage".

The handle is made from elm wood found in the grounds of Garrison House on the Isle of Cumbrae and is a "tribute" to Scotland's natural resources.

The Queen has written a message to athletes of the Commonwealth to mark the start of a baton relay around all its nations and territories before the Glasgow 2014 Games.

The note will be placed inside a specially made baton at Buckingham Palace today before it starts a 248-day journey around 70 nations and territories.

Her majesty wrote the note during her summer stay at Balmoral - but the contents will remain a secret until the Queen reads it aloud at the opening ceremony of the Games at Celtic Park on July 23 next year.

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