Invictus Australia has announced plans to try to bring the Invictus Games back to the country in 2031, just days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed they will travel to Australia next month for a series of engagements.
The military charity said it would submit a formal bid to host the competition again, with the move marking the first step in a campaign to return the event to Australian soil after Sydney staged the Games in 2018.
In an Instagram post shared by Invictus Australia, the organisation wrote: "The journey to bring the Invictus Games back to Australia starts now" alongside black and yellow heart emojis.
The post continued: "Today, we've taken a small but significant first step toward welcoming the Games back to our shores in 2031.
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"Click the link in our bio to visit our dedicated bid page and to register your interest or offer your support."
The first graphic in the carousel stated: "Invictus Australia has announced its intention to submit a bid to bring the Invictus Games back to Australia in 2031."
Another added: "This marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to bring the Games back down under."
Further slides in the post said: "The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 saw the nation come together in support of wounded, injured and ill serving Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families - this announcement reflects both the legacy of those Games and the relevance of their return."
Australia launches bid to host Invictus Games just days after Harry and Meghan reveal trip
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The next line read: "At a critical time for Australia’s veteran community, it is both fitting and necessary that the Invictus Games return to Australian soil."
Another slide stated: "Over the coming 12 months, Invictus Australia aims to prepare a comprehensive bid underpinned by support from all levels of government, corporate partners, community organisations and the broader Australian public."
A further graphic carried a message from General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, patron of Invictus Australia, which read: "When the Invictus Games came to Sydney in 2018, I spoke about the importance of keeping the momentum alive - not letting the flame dim after witnessing the profound impact of those Games.
"Thanks to Invictus Australia’s ongoing efforts, and now this bold bid to bring the Invictus Games back to Australia, that light shines brighter than ever."
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Harry and Meghan attending the Invictus Games opening ceremony in 2018
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Supporters quickly reacted in the comments. One account posted heart emojis and wrote: "Lets go!!!"
Another user wrote: "I was fortunate to be able to compete in Sydney in 2018. My daughter and grandchildren live in Queensland and I was able to reconnect with them. It was the most amazing venue and was brilliantly organised."
One royal watcher added: "This was such an inspiring event in 2018. Best of luck with your bid!"
Wheelchair Rugby Australia wrote: "Good luck team!" while another commented: "I had a feeling when it was announced they are coming to visit that maybe we'd put in a bid. I think it'd be great to have it back again. I also think Korea would be a fantastic location."
Harry and Meghan pictured in Sydney in 2018
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Another commenter wrote: "I prefer Australia as a host than UK."
Invictus Australia said it expects the official bidding process for 2031 to open in 2027. Before that, the next Invictus Games will be staged in Birmingham in July 2027, while the host city for the 2029 Games is due to be announced later this year.
The announcement came after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed they will visit Australia in mid-April for "a number of private, business, and philanthropic engagements", in what will be their first trip to the country since 2018.
During the visit, Harry is due to appear in Melbourne at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit on April 15 and 16, where he will speak on workplace mental health, while Meghan is expected in Sydney for the Her Best Life Retreat from April 17 to 19.