The Queen's Baton Relay for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games began today ©Getty Images

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The Queen's Baton Relay took place at Buckingham Palace, with a mix of media, fans and athletes in attendance ©Getty Images
The Queen's Baton Relay took place at Buckingham Palace, with a mix of media, fans and athletes in attendance ©Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II first received the Baton inside the Palace, inserting a written message which will not be read out until the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on July 28 next summer ©Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II first received the Baton inside the Palace, inserting a written message which will not be read out until the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on July 28 next summer ©Getty Images
Four-time Paralympic champion Kadeena Cox was the first athlete to receive the Baton ©Getty Images
Four-time Paralympic champion Kadeena Cox was the first athlete to receive the Baton ©Getty Images
Cox beamed as she carried the Baton, which included a strand of platinum to commemorate the Queen's 70-year reign ©Getty Images
Cox beamed as she carried the Baton, which included a strand of platinum to commemorate the Queen's 70-year reign ©Getty Images
Team England squash player Declan James was the second to carry the Baton, receiving it from Cox ©Getty Images
Team England squash player Declan James was the second to carry the Baton, receiving it from Cox ©Getty Images
A parade of flags celebrated all 72 nations and territories set to compete in the Commonwealth Games next summer ©Getty Images
A parade of flags celebrated all 72 nations and territories set to compete in the Commonwealth Games next summer ©Getty Images
insidethegames editor-in-chief Duncan Mackay, right, and managing director Sarah Bowron were also in attendance ©ITG
insidethegames editor-in-chief Duncan Mackay, right, and managing director Sarah Bowron were also in attendance ©ITG
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, celebrated the beginning of the Relay ©Getty Images
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, celebrated the beginning of the Relay ©Getty Images
Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey performed a poem about the Games ©Getty Images
Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey performed a poem about the Games ©Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II sent the Baton on its way, where it will travel to every nation and territory in the Commonwealth, spanning 90,000 miles and 269 days, before returning to England for the commencement of Birmingham 2022 on July 28 ©Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II sent the Baton on its way, where it will travel to every nation and territory in the Commonwealth, spanning 90,000 miles and 269 days, before returning to England for the commencement of Birmingham 2022 on July 28 ©Getty Images