It not uncommon for a head of state to skip a military handover ceremony.

CNN: U.S. Marine general takes over NATO forces in Afghanistan

Not only would it show the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, but it will be the focus for a celebration marking the handover ceremony at the close of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday 24 August and be a permanent feature in the city.

BBC: Plan for Olympic screen for city

The U.S. military said the planned security handover ceremony was postponed because of a sandstorm.

NPR: U.S. To Delay Transfer Of Iraq's Anbar Province

The handover ceremony in Delhi, featuring a cast of 346 Scots, will mark the beginning of a four-year journey that will culminate in Glasgow hosting the biggest sporting event ever to take place on Scottish soil in 2014.

BBC: Events mark Games flag handover

Immediately after their flag was lowered in the handover ceremony, the 1 Scots insignia was removed from the parade ground as they loaded their bags onto a waiting truck.

BBC: Scots soldiers end final Afghan tour