Crucial moment for Prince Charles at Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

It was an explosion of colour and a celebration of all the Gold Coast has to offer during the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

Amongst a sea of singing lifesavers, performances by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Delta Goodrem, all eyes were firmly on the Royals - Prince Charles and Camilla.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived on behalf of the Queen to declare the games open and as the heir apparent took to the stage, there was one very crucial moment.

Opening the Queen's baton to take out a message from his mother thankfully (and unlike at the Glasgow Games) went off without a hitch and even drew a little giggle from the Prince and those on stage with him.

The royal couple also received a warm welcome from Indigenous Elders at Carrara Stadium, before Prince Charles officially opened the Gold Coast Games on Wednesday night.

And as Indigenous protesters clashed with police outside over the presence of Commonwealth officials, the sentiment inside the venue was one of acknowledgement and understanding.

Charles delivered the message on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth. 

And then, with a flick and a flourish, he got down to business.

"Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen," he said, "it now gives me the greatest pleasure to declare the 21st Commonwealth Games open." 

Throughout the ceremony the Prince and Duchess of Cornwall mingled with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a well-known supporter of an Australian republic.

Their arrival had been somewhat more rushed as the heavens opened just in time for the duo to step out of their motorcade, which had suffered a dramatic mishap on the way to Carrara Stadium.

Two policemen escorting the royal couple were injured when their motorcycles collided but Queensland Police said the crash did not "impede or impact" the motorcade's movement.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin and Games Corporation chairman Peter Beattie were on hand to greet and whisk them straight up to a welcome reception with dignitaries from all 71 Commonwealth Games associations.

Not for the first time since touching down in Brisbane on Wednesday, Camilla was promptly provided with an umbrella she was content to carry herself.

The Duchess dazzled in a pale blue silk crepe dress with beaded motifs and piping, a creation by Anna Valentine - the same British luxury designer that made her wedding dress in 2005. She coupled it with an elegant pearl choker.