Overview
- The Team England baton arrived in London on Tuesday, May 26, and was carried through St Paul’s, Temple Bar and into Paternoster Square as part of the King’s Baton Relay build-up to Glasgow 2026.
- Jamell Anderson led the climb up St Paul’s steps and the procession included Team England athletes Shanice Beckford-Norton, Cheridene Green and Ashley Hamilton before City of London clergy and officials received the baton.
- Organisers installed a temporary 3x3 basketball court for the London Sports Festival, running free public activities such as coaching, wheelchair basketball, competitions and corporate challenges with the baton on display for photos.
- Team England chair John Steele called the London leg a “hugely significant moment” with only weeks to go, and Central London Alliance chair Tony Matharu said the event brought together tradition, sport and community in the City.
- The relay’s London stop highlights local engagement in the run-up to Glasgow 2026, which will run a reduced competition programme after Victoria, Australia, withdrew as original host and Glasgow agreed a slimmed-down plan to keep the Games viable.