"I Love Canada": Prince Harry Reflects on His Special Ties After Skydiving Stunt
Prince Harry shared why Canada means so much to him following his daring jump for military charities.
Prince Harry followed through on a daring promise to skydive for a cause close to his heart. The Duke of Sussex was captured completing the challenge at Toronto to honor Ed Marshall, a 102-year-old World War II veteran, while spotlighting awareness and support for military charities. Harry developed the plan last November while visiting the veterans center at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, where he bonded with Marshall over their shared military backgrounds and dedication to the veteran community. Following the gruelling stunt, the Duke also reflected on his deep connection to Canada and its special significance regarding his wife, Meghan Markle.
"I love Canada. My wife lived here for seven years. Most people thought that she was Canadian. Canada has a very special place in my heart. So I always come back," Harry told CTV right after the jump. "I love every single thing about Canada, and I think Canada plays an incredibly important part in moral leadership in today’s world, and I’ll leave it at that," he added.
The Duchess of Sussex has strong ties to Canada and Toronto, where she filmed her hit show Suits and where she and Harry spent quality time before their romance led to a royal marriage. According to Town and Country Magazine, after announcing their decision to step down from royal duties, the Sussexes spent an extended stay in Canada during the final six weeks of 2019. During that time, they visited Canada House to express gratitude for the warm hospitality and support they received, marking their very first official appearance after publicly announcing they were stepping back as working royals.
Meanwhile, Marshall had inspired Harry to take on the daring challenge after sharing photos of a fundraising skydive he completed for his 100th birthday in 2024. Unfortunately, the veteran, who is nearing his 103rd birthday, was unable to jump himself due to obvious medical concerns, but his grandson, Bailey, took his place while Marshall observed from the aircraft.
According to CP24, the incredible skydiving event raised vital funds for the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and the True Patriot Love Foundation, both of which support veterans and their families. After marking the remarkable feat in Innisfil, Ontario, the Duke of Sussex was captured kissing the ground upon landing. He soon spoke on the phone with the Duchess of Sussex, who expressed profound relief at his safe return, while Harry humorously attributed his participation to Marshall, joking that while he wished he could have backed out, the veteran simply proved too persuasive.
In 2024, the Sussexes echoed the same sentiment about Canada: "We loved being back in Canada, a place so meaningful to both of us. It filled our hearts to once again be surrounded by Canadian people, food, and culture. We felt the Invictus spirit and excitement throughout Whistler and Vancouver and are so grateful to all our hosts for organizing such a memorable visit. We’re counting down the days until we return!" they told People in an exclusive.
