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Prince Harry skydived in Innisfil, Ontario for Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and True Patriot Love Foundation, honoring a promise to 102-year-old veteran Ed Marshall.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, completed a charity skydive north of Toronto on Friday, raising funds for two veterans organizations and fulfilling a promise made to a 102-year-old former paratrooper. The jump took place in Innisfil, Ontario, and benefited Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and the True Patriot Love Foundation.
In an exclusive interview with CTV News after the jump, Prince Harry said he loves every single thing about Canada and believes the country plays an incredibly important part in moral leadership in today's world.
Promise to a Veteran Sparks Charity Skydive
The trip was set in motion last November when Prince Harry met Second World War veteran Ed Marshall at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto. Marshall told the Duke about a fundraising skydive he had done for his 100th birthday in 2024.
Prince Harry promised Marshall he would return to the Toronto area to jump with him again. On Friday, he made good on that promise.
Marshall, who turns 103 in a few months, could not dive himself due to concerns from his doctor. His grandson, Bailey Fulen, took his place while Marshall watched from the back of the plane.
The skydive raised money for Sunnybrook Veterans Centre and the True Patriot Love Foundation, a non-profit that supports veterans and their families.
After landing in an open field, Prince Harry was seen kissing the ground. He told CTV News he felt some hesitancy about skydiving at first and wished he could get out of it, but said Marshall was very persuasive.
He added that Marshall had been really excited about the jump and that he could not let a 102-year-old veteran down.
Family Surprised by Royal Commitment
Bailey Fulen said his family did not take Prince Harry's promise seriously at first and were surprised when his representatives reached out a few months ago. He recalled his grandfather saying for months that he would do a jump with Prince Harry, and the family would respond with polite doubt.
Fulen said it was surreal for the family that someone with Prince Harry's schedule would take the time and put himself on the line for the cause.
Prince Harry's trip to Canada came less than a month after news surfaced that he and the Duchess of Sussex had decided to return to the United Kingdom after previously giving up royal duties and moving to California.
Asked about the move, Prince Harry said he had lots of reasons but did not elaborate, noting he did not want to distract from raising money for Canadian veterans charities. He said it has been great to be back on British soil, that his children are happy in school, and that it gives him a chance to focus on the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July next year.
Canada Holds Special Place for Prince Harry
Prince Harry also spoke about his connection to Canada. He said he loves Canada and noted that his wife lived in the country for seven years, with most people thinking she was Canadian.
He said Canada has a very special place in his heart.
When asked about ongoing trade tensions with the United States and what message he had for Canadians, Prince Harry praised Canada's role in moral leadership. He said he loves every single thing about Canada and that the country plays an incredibly important part in moral leadership in today's world.
The Duke's visit underscores the ongoing ties between the royal family and Canada, particularly in supporting veterans and their families through charitable efforts.
Prince Harry Canada Ed Marshall Sunnybrook Veterans Centre True Patriot Love Foundation Innisfil Ontario Invictus Games
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