Comm Games Baton Starts Journey To Gold Coast

Pic: Twitter (@royalfamily)

The Gold Coast has been catapulted into the spotlight in London, with the Queen launching the baton relay for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games with a massive ceremony at Buckingham Palace overnight.

The launch, watched by thousands who gathered in front on the palace, officially stars the countdown to the Games opening ceremony on April 4 next year.

Cyclist Anna Meares and wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley were just some of the Aussie star athletes taking part, Meares was lucky enough to be the first to take the baton from Her Majesty.

"It was a little bit nerve wracking but a lot of fun. I think it's really lovely to carry some of that tradition through to the modern day," she said.

Meares and Fearnley circled the Queen Victoria Monument before passing the baton to Gold Coast pop-star Cody Simpson, who earlier had performed for the Royal Family.

The baton will now embark on a 388-day journey around all nations of the Commonwealth in the lead-up to the Games opening ceremony when the Queen's message in the baton will be read out.