The Birmingham 2022 Queen's baton relay starts at Buckingham Palace and will visit all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth over 294 days.

The baton, equipped with a camera, heart-rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting, will return to the UK on June 10 and will spend five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales.

It will then cover the length and breadth of England for 25 days from July 4.

The global journey, featuring around 7,500 'baton bearers', will conclude at the opening ceremony in July next year where the final carrier will return the baton to the Queen.

"The Queen's baton relay is one of the most special aspects of the Commonwealth Games as it so vividly symbolises the friendship, respect and unity across our 72 nations and territories," Commonwealth Games Federation president Dame Louise Martin said.

"When Her Majesty The Queen places her message to the Commonwealth into the baton at Buckingham Palace next week, it will start a spectacular 294-day journey that will begin the final countdown to the opening ceremony.

"I know that communities across the Commonwealth will be so excited to see the baton as it passes through their own villages, towns and cities.

"I hope that as many Commonwealth citizens as possible can be part of the relay so that they can experience the true magic of the Commonwealth Games."

Australian Associated Press