Prince Harry Announces Daring Charity Jump for First Major UK Appearance Since Return
Prince Harry will be using his military skills to complete a challenging task for a charitable cause.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have effectively reversed 'Megxit' and returned to the UK with their children after almost six years. Following a quiet few days back on British soil, Markle broke her social media silence yesterday to pay an emotional tribute to her friend and late mentor, Gloria Steinem. The Duke of Sussex appears ready to step back into the spotlight as well, announcing a bold comeback event for a cause close to his heart.
Prince Harry is set to complete a skydive this month, marking one of his first announced engagements since returning to the UK. It is believed he will be taking up the daring activity alongside fellow veterans to support Sunnybrook and the True Patriot Love Foundation, which aids military communities in Canada. The event comes with an emotional backstory, fulfilling a pledge the Duke of Sussex made to 102-year-old Canadian World War Two veteran Ed Marshall.
According to GB News, the planning took place last November when Harry met Marshall at Sunnybrook Hospital's veterans centre in Toronto. It is believed that the centenarian's grandson, Bailey, will accompany the Duke for the activity. Sunnybrook Hospital had commented on Prince Harry's unique bond with the decorated veteran, saying, "They quickly bonded over their shared experience of military service and the way they have continued to serve their communities."
Both possess significant military experience: Marshall trained as a paratrooper in World War II, while Harry served ten years in the British Army. His military career also included two operational tours in Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller and Apache helicopter pilot, forming the basis for their charitable collaboration.
Marshall impressed the Duke with a recount of his fundraising skydive for his 100th birthday. Inspired by this, the Sunnybrook Foundation and Marshall planned another jump, though at 102, he won't be participating himself. "My grandson, he's never jumped before, but he has the right attitude about this, and I hope he enjoys it," the veteran expressed to CTV News, while calling Prince Harry, "a nice guy." He added, "I told him I was planning on jumping again and he said, ‘well I’ll join you,’ so I took him up on that."
Marshall initially thought Harry was just being polite when confirming his participation in the upcoming jump. The Duke's last official appearance was in Washington, D.C., with veterans and their families. The fundraising jump will support Sunnybrook and the True Patriot Love Foundation, highlighting Harry's ongoing commitment to military communities in both the UK and North America. According to HELLO! Prince Harry was previously described as a "natural" at skydiving after leaping with the Army's Red Devils display team.
