The 21st Commonwealth Games have begun in the Australian city of Gold Coast in front of 35,000 spectators at the Carrara Stadium.
A heavy shower at the start of the opening ceremony did not seem to dampen the spirit of the Games which bring together more than 4,500 athletes from 71 countries for 275 medal events until April 15.
"Welcome to the oldest living culture on Earth," read the message on a smartphone held by Isabella Graham, an 11-year-old Aboriginal girl as the ceremony began.
Graham touched the screen to activate a short countdown that started from 65,000 - a tribute to the rich history of Australia's First Nations peoples, who scientists believe arrived in the continent some 65,000 years ago.
Britain\'s Prince Charles, Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Peter Beattie, Australia\'s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Queensland\'s Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Gold Coast\'s Mayor Tom Tate attend the opening ceremony of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium on Wednesday.
A colourful opening to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast on Wednesday
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Carrara Stadium
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday
The opening ceremony of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games begins at the Carrara Stadium
Spectators are pictured in the rain during the opening ceremony
People attend the opening ceremony of the Games at Carrara Stadium on Wednesday
Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast is seen before the start of the Games
Wales supporters display a national flag before the opening ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games
A man poses with ‘Borobi’, the official mascot of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
An Australia supporter smiles before the opening ceremony of the 2018 Commonwealth Games
Australia supporters pose for photographs before the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games
Australia\'s Aboriginal activists hold a banner during a protest outside the Carrara Stadium