Prince Charles has arrived in India for the opening of the Commonwealth Games.

The Prince met President Pratibha Patil at the Presidential Palace, hours after he landed in the capital New Delhi to represent his mother at the opening of the 19th Games.

Prince Charles and President Patil are set to open the games in a glittering ceremony on Sunday evening.

According to the Commonwealth Games Federation, Prince Charles will receive the baton and read the Queen's message at the opening ceremony. He will then declare the games open along with President Patil.

Prince Charles is also scheduled to visit the Commonwealth Games Village, where he will spend time with athletes from a broad cross-section of Commonwealth countries.

He is also due to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a lunch for the royals.