Prince Harry touched down in Toronto on Friday, marking the first stop of a multi-city Canadian tour aimed at honoring veterans ahead of Remembrance Day. The Duke of Sussex’s visit comes as part of his ongoing commitment to military causes through the Invictus Games Foundation, which he founded in 2014.
Walking through the doors of the MaRS Discovery District in downtown Toronto, Harry was greeted by a small crowd of veterans and military families. Many had participated in previous Invictus Games, the international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel that has become the prince’s signature initiative.
“Being back in Canada always feels like coming home,” Harry told the gathering, referencing the time he spent living in Toronto while dating his now-wife Meghan Markle. “The spirit of service I’ve witnessed among Canadian veterans continues to inspire the work we do.”
The prince’s schedule included a roundtable discussion with participants from Team Canada who competed at the recent Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany. Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor joined part of the session, highlighting the government’s continued support for military service members transitioning to civilian life.
For retired Corporal Marie-Claude Gagnon, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy and attended the event, Harry’s visit carried special significance. “Having someone with his platform shine a light on veterans’ issues, especially around mental health, makes a real difference in breaking down stigma,” she said.
The gathering also featured an impromptu moment when local schoolchildren presented the prince with hand-drawn cards for Remembrance Day. Harry spent nearly 20 minutes speaking with the children about what the day means and why remembering sacrifice matters.
Harry’s connection to Canada runs deep. Toronto hosted the third Invictus Games in 2017, which coincided with his first public appearance with Meghan. The couple lived in British Columbia briefly after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 before relocating to California.
According to data from Veterans Affairs Canada, approximately 461,000 veterans currently live across the country, with many facing challenges related to mental health, employment, and housing. A 2023 report from the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman highlighted ongoing concerns about access to benefits and support services.
“What makes the Invictus community special is how we continue supporting each other long after the games end,” Harry noted during his address. “That’s the model for veteran support everywhere – continuous, compassionate, and community-based.”
Local veteran support organizations, including the Royal Canadian Legion’s Ontario Command, were also represented at the event. Bill Maxwell, a Legion spokesperson, emphasized the importance of high-profile visits. “When someone like Prince Harry draws attention to veterans’ needs right before Remembrance Day, it reminds Canadians that supporting those who served is a year-round responsibility.”
The prince’s visit continues a tradition of Commonwealth royal involvement with Canadian military causes. This relationship has evolved since Harry stepped back from official royal duties, but his personal connection to military service – having served two tours in Afghanistan – lends authenticity to these engagements.
Harry is expected to continue his Canadian tour with stops in Vancouver and other locations in the coming days. Sources close to the Invictus Foundation indicated these visits will help lay groundwork for future collaborative programs with Canadian veteran organizations.
As Remembrance Day approaches, the timing of Harry’s visit serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members. For many veterans in attendance, the prince’s continued advocacy represents valuable visibility for their ongoing challenges.
“Sometimes people forget about us after the uniforms come off,” said former Master Corporal James Wight, who met Harry during the Toronto visit. “Having someone who understands military service firsthand speaking up for veterans – it matters more than most people realize.”
