Why Ian Thorpe is a big fan of Prince Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are only days away from arriving in Australia ahead of the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney.

If there’s one local celebrity who is looking forward to the royal couple’s involvement in the event, it’s former Olympian swimmer Ian Thorpe.

The 36-year-old ambassador for the Invictus Games met Prince Harry at the same event in Orlando back in 2016.

“He’s done a good job,” Ian Thorpe told Yahoo Lifestyle.

“He’s done an amazing job in putting together the Invictus and it will be wonderful to see him and for him to be able to see some of our wounded warriors and support them as well.”

The paralympic-style sporting event recognises defence veterans, and Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, founded the Invictus Games in 2014.

“It is exciting. I think the country doesn’t really know how powerful and how moving the Invictus Games are and we have the opportunity to cheer on people who’ve been heroes for our country, to be heroes once again,” said Ian.

“I’m really looking forward to the events and I think everyone in the country is going to enjoy it.”

On Saturday Ian was one of many big names at the Everest racing event at Royal Randwick Racecourse, and he dressed to impress for the occasion.

“I’m always happy to suit up. I’m person who’s been in athleisure all my life, so I’m happy to have the chance to wear a suit as long as it’s not too hot,” he laughed.

Appearing alongside the likes of Jennifer Hawkins and Emma Freedman, The Star ambassador couldn’t stop smiling as he celebrated turning 36 on the day.

“It’s my birthday on Everest,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle ahead of the event. “So I’m coming back to The Star and having a celebration dinner with some of my friends.”

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