Since the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, Team Australia has embraced a playful tradition—gifting Prince Harry, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, a pair of iconic Aussie Budgy Smugglers.

The tradition began when the Duke of Sussex was first presented with the snug swimwear during the Sydney Games. The moment went viral, capturing hearts (and plenty of laughs) worldwide. Since then, no Invictus Games would be complete without Harry’s ceremonial acceptance of his latest pair.

Setting the Record Straight: Not Team UK’s Budgies! 

This year, however, things took an unexpected twist. Team UK decided to get in on the action, presenting Prince Harry with their own version of ‘Budgy Smugglers’. To our horror, some people actually thought they were from us! We simply couldn’t stand for that kind of fashion confusion.

Determined to set the record straight, Team Australia came prepared. At the bronze medal Wheelchair Rugby match, Prince Harry was presented with a pair of green Budgy Smugglers by Chelsie Clayton, proudly representing Team Australia. These special budgies featured snowflakes—a cheeky nod to the first-ever hybrid winter Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler. And in true Aussie style, they also featured a skiing koala and kangaroo, because nothing says “down under” like a marsupial on the slopes.

More Than Just Gifts: Prince Harry’s Connection with Team Australia

But the budgie smugglers are just one part of Prince Harry’s bond with Team Australia. Over the course of the Games, Harry has spent some time the Aussie competitors, showing genuine interest in their stories and celebrating their achievements. Whether it’s stopping to chat with competitors, having a chat at medal ceremonies, or simply cheering from the sidelines, his presence has been felt.

In true Aussie spirit, the team has also showered him with uniquely Australian gifts. From personalised Vegemite jars to friendship bracelets, Team Australia knows how to share the love. Each gesture symbolises the camaraderie and gratitude they feel towards the man who made the Invictus Games possible.

The Man Behind the Games: Prince Harry’s Inspiring Vision

This light-hearted tradition isn’t just about a cheeky gift, it’s about the spirit of the Invictus Games and the man behind it all. Prince Harry’s journey with the Invictus Games began after a life-changing moment. Returning from deployment in Afghanistan, he watched as the coffin of a Danish soldier was loaded aboard for repatriation, alongside three injured British soldiers. That moment had a profound impact on him.

Following a visit to the US Warrior Games in 2013, Prince Harry was inspired to create the international Invictus Games to celebrate the unconquered human spirit and shine a spotlight on the men and women who served.

The Legacy Lives On: Invictus Australia

Since 2018, Invictus Australia has been the organisation dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, providing ongoing support to veterans and their families through sport and community engagement at a local level in Australia. It was established after the success of the 2018 Sydney Games to maintain the positive impact of the event year-round.

We now have five Veteran Engagement Managers across Australia in local communities, building connections with veterans, families, ESOs, sporting partners and relevant services. So that the defence community can continue to experience the power of sport. Find your local community here.

How the Invictus Games Change Lives

Through sport, the Invictus Games Foundation changes lives—and saves them. It offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, enabling them to reclaim their purpose, identity, and future beyond injury. The Games provide a platform for growth and to celebrate resilience, camaraderie, and determination.

A Tradition of Laughter and LegacY

As Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, Prince Harry’s vision has inspired thousands of competitors to embrace recovery through sport. And while he continues to lead the way, Team Australia proudly contributes to his growing collection of Budgy Smugglers—a tradition that showcases the power of humor in bringing nations together.

We’re just glad he takes it all in stride—though we do wonder if he’s brave enough to actually wear them on the slopes.

The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for serving and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Team Australia is delivered in partnership between Invictus Australia and the Australian Defence Force, and consists of 33 competitors.  

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Keep up to date with all the action

Read live updates from Canada, get to know Team Australia and learn how to connect through sport in your local community via our Team Australia Invictus Games 2025 hub. Head to the hub below.

Join the Exclusive Team Australia fan club! 

Want behind the scenes access to Team Australia, plus exclusive updates of all things Invictus Games? Join our Broadcast Channel via the Instagram app to cheer on Team Australia from back home, while never missing a minute.  

If you don’t want to miss a moment of the Games, join us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, where our on the ground team will be keeping you up to date on Team Australia. 

About the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Invictus Games takes place from the 8th – 16th February in Canada. Invictus Australia, in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, are supporting 33 former and current serving competitors as part of Team Australia.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for serving and former serving military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their military service. Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, is the Patron of the Invictus Games. The Games uses the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends.

About Invictus Australia: Invictus Australia encourages veterans and their families to connect and engage with their communities through sport. Whether participating or volunteering at grassroots level, to competing internationally at an Invictus or Warrior Games, Invictus Australia leverages the power of sport to proactively foster good health and aid in recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. Invictus Australia promotes the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport for all, and shine a light on the unique needs of younger veterans, particularly the challenges associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.