The confusion over protocol regarding the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games cleared on Friday with British diplomatic sources saying that the event will be jointly inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil and Charles, Prince of Wales.

A senior diplomat with the British High Commission told Governance Now that Charles will be reading out the Queen’s message at the opening ceremony while Patil will declare the Games open on Sunday (October 3).

This ends months of confusion after New Delhi objected to Charles's inaugurating the Games. India always maintained that president can’t just be a mere spectator at the opening ceremony of the CWG, thereby kicking off a row between the two nations over protocol.

Traditionally, the reigning British monarch declares the Games open. However, the Queen will not be attending the XIX Commonwealth Games due to a packed schedule.

Prime minister Manmohan Singh, CGF president Michael Fennell, Suresh Kalmadi, CWG organising committee chairman will share the dais along with president and Charles.

According to the High Commission member, British athletes have expressed satisfaction over arrangements at the Games village and the stadia.

“The British government’s view on this question is reflected in our official travel advice.  We have no reason to think that the state of the venues is unsatisfactory.  But it is the Commonwealth Games Federation that acts on our collective behalf on this issue,” the sources said.

British diplomatic sources were also surprised over the Ayodhya verdict as it was very close to Games. “On the basis of a quick initial assessment, the judgement appears to have been both complicated and balanced.  While the timing - so close to the CWG - might have surprised some, we understand this was necessary because one of the judges was close to retirement…Importantly, the judgement appears to have been received with calm, as encouraged by all political parties.”