The Queen was joined by Prince Edward as she launched the Commonwealth Games baton relay which will make its journey across the Commonwealth nations before ending in Birmingham. The 90,000-mile journey will take 269-days to complete as it travels through 72 Commonwealth countries for the games next year. But the surprisingly hi-tech baton contains a plethora of features including one touching tribute to the Queen.

       Speaking on the Royal Rota podcast, royal producer Lizzie Robinson listed off the impressive features of the baton.

       She explained the baton also contains a 360-degree camera to track its journey across the world.

       It also contains a heart-rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

       The baton also contains a secret message from the Queen which will not be opened until the games kick off.

       But, in addition to the secret message, a strand of platinum is also included in the baton.

       The metal is a nod to the Queen's platinum jubilee which coincides with the Commonwealth Games.

       ITV royal editor Chris Ship also revealed the baton's journey is nearly half of what it usually is as concerns over climate change made decision-makers choose to shorten the trip.

       The relay kicked on last Thursday with Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox carrying it for the first leg of the journey.

       The baton will arrive in Cyprus in a few days.

       Prince Edward joined the Queen in his role as vice patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

       Birmingham 2022 CEO Ian Reid said: "We had in excess of 850,000 ticket applications for the West Midlands ballot alone and I think we are nearly at 2m applications in total following the national ballot.

       "So that gives you a sense of the number of people now that want to engage with the Games.

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       The Commonwealth Games will officially begin on July 28, 2022 and will continue for just under two weeks.

       The Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated over the weekend of June 3 as the UK Government has issued a bank holiday in celebration.

       The Jubilee marks 70 years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth II who is the only monarch who has achieved the milestone.