Prince Harry enjoyed a playful moment with Team Australia at the Invictus Games in Vancouver, continuing a light-hearted tradition between the prince and the spirited squad. In a video shared on Meghan Markle’s Instagram Stories, Harry responded to receiving a rather cheeky gift – a Speedo, also affectionately known as “budgie smugglers” in Australia. “And Team Australia, you’ve done it again!” exclaimed the Duchess of Sussex, 43, as she highlighted the amusing exchange. Upon being presented with the tiny swimsuit, the Duke of Sussex, 40, couldn’t help but burst into laughter, exclaiming, “So inappropriate! I love it. Thank you so much.”
This moment harkened back to a previous encounter at the Invictus Games when an Australian athlete humorously asked for Harry’s autograph on a pair of Speedos during the 2018 Games in Sydney. At the time, Harry playfully suggested he would sign them only if the athlete wore them on his head, much to the delight of those present. However, following royal protocol, the prince had to politely decline signing personal items. This year, however, Team Australia made sure to secure a fresh pair to gift Harry as a memento of their time together.
The Invictus Games, established by Prince Harry in 2014, serve as a platform to honor the resilience and determination of wounded and recovering service members from various nations, showcasing sports such as wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and indoor rowing. Following successful events in London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), and Sydney (2018), subsequent cycles were planned for the Hague in 2020 (later postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and Düsseldorf in 2023. The current cycle in Canada marks a unique return to a prior host country, offering a blend of summer and winter sports for the first time.
The Vancouver-Whistler Games will introduce winter sports disciplines like alpine skiing, snowboarding, curling, and skeleton to the competition for the very first time. In a moving speech during the opening ceremony on Feb. 8, Harry addressed the athletes, expressing, “Over the past decade, I’ve lost count of the times that we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games ‘saved you.’ Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself.” He commended the athletes for their unwavering perseverance and spirit, emphasizing that the Games simply unveil the remarkable character and resilience already present within each participant.
Harry concluded his speech by acknowledging the athletes’ indomitable fortitude and perseverance, stating, “That is the magic of the Invictus Games.” The event continues to inspire individuals worldwide with its celebration of courage, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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