The Queen's Baton Relay is a much loved tradition of the Commonwealth Games and symbolises the coming together of all nations and territories in preparation for the four-yearly festival of sport and culture.

The official launch took place on October 9 2013 at Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II placed Her message to the Commonwealth into the baton. The baton then departed from Glasgow for its epic journey to all 71 nations and territories beginning in Asia, visiting India, the Host Nation of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Over 248 days the baton will travel sequentially through each nation creating an engaging journey through Asia, Oceania, Africa, Americas (south), Caribbean and Americas (north), before returning to Europe and the UK. The baton will average one to four days in each nation with an extended duration of seven days in Wales and fourteen days in England.

Throughout the Commonwealth the baton will be relayed by thousands of people, each honoured by their own nation to participate in this unique tradition. The baton will travel by land, air and sea and will use many alternate modes of transport.

The baton is scheduled to arrive in Belize on April 21 and will depart the country on April 24 for Bermuda and then Canada before making its way to Europe.

The Queen's Baton Relay will conclude its epic journey at the Games Opening Ceremony on 23 July 2014.

The Guardian