Window opens for royal visit to Manly for Invictus Games’ first event
AN OPPORTUNITY has been identified for Prince Harry to visit Manly for the first official ceremony of the Invictus Games.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- 7 reasons the royals should visit the northern beaches
- 100 doctors yet to sign new contracts at Northern Beaches Hospital
- Big promise on Northern Beaches Hospital roadworks
AN OPPORTUNITY has been identified for Prince Harry to visit Manly for the first official ceremony of the Invictus Games.
Like his father, Prince Charles, he will visit Bondi Beach early on Friday but an appointment between that and the Harbour Bridge climb with Prime Minister Scott Morrison is yet to be announced.
Manly state MP James Griffin, who is hosting the first event of the Games — a barbecue for family and friends of athletes — pointed out it was “just a short ferry ride from Kirribilli to the Q Station”.
While Prince Harry, patron and founder of the Invictus Games in 2014, along with Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, opted for Bondi instead of Manly, the official itinerary for the couple’s stay has one “to be confirmed” on Friday.
The Bondi visit will be the only formal event until an afternoon bridge climb — leaving a window open on Friday at the same time as the barbecue.
The Games will not be officially launched until about 7pm Saturday at a ceremony at the Opera House.
And Mr Griffin said the welcome mat was still open for them to attend the Q Station and meet the people who support wounded soldiers — their families.
“Their itinerary says To Be Announced on all the stuff that I have seen for the time of the event,” he said.
“We are having an absolutely fantastic beach barbecue which, according to the weather forecast, is going to be very sunny.
“There is a wharf out the front where a boat could pull up, it is a very quick journey from Kirribilli (where the couple is staying).
“Over 350 friends of Invictus athletes and a whole host of community leaders will be at Q Station. The welcome mat is rolled out and we would love to see them visit us in Manly.”
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said he would like the chance to reignite some Ashes rivalry with beach cricket at Manly.
“It would be a real honour to have a beach cricket game with the both of them and as many of the Invictus Games athletes who want to join in the fun,” Cr Regan said.
IN RELATED NEWS
“I would be only too happy to show them around the world’s best-kept secret, the northern beaches, and show them the good spots to eat, drink and maybe even buy some baby clothes.”
RELATED: 7 REASONS THE ROYALS SHOULD VISIT THE NORTHERN BEACHES
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill veterans and active service personnel. It will attract more than 800 competitors from 18 nations.
The Games highlight the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country.