What you need to know
Prince Harry arrived in Canada for a solo trip on the big day of Prince William’s Earthshot Award ceremony.
On November 5th, the 41-year-old Duke of Sussex kicked off his trip with an event in Toronto to commemorate Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the UK equivalent of Veterans Day in the US and is celebrated on November 11th each year.
On Wednesday, Prince Harry met with members of the Canadian Reserve Force. The soldiers were from historic regiments including the Queen’s Own Rifles, the Royal Canadian Regiment, and one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s largest reserve divisions.
The suspension drew attention to the dual efforts of reservists who balance civilian careers with military service, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Poland, Latvia and Ukraine.
Canada is a Commonwealth country, creating links with the United Kingdom. Prince Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, serving twice in Afghanistan and achieving the rank of Captain before retiring in 2015.
Courtesy of Laura Proctor, True Patriot
Prince Harry heard from Warrant Officers Justin Thorne and Warrant Officer Mariangeles Nagyris, regimental sergeants of the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Royal Regiment, about the unique demands and rewards of reserve service. Mr. Thorne and Mr. Naziris are both senior noncommissioned officers who balance military leadership with civilian careers in law enforcement and mentor new soldiers.
The Duke of Sussex also met with Commander Paul Smith of one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s 24 reserve divisions. Mr. Smith made history in 2014 as the first black commander of a Canadian warship, and in 2021 became the first black unit commander.
Commander Smith and Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Peyton gave an overview of how the unit trains and deploys Sailors for Royal Canadian Navy operations while maintaining a strategic presence in Toronto, Canada’s largest city.
Courtesy of Laura Proctor, True Patriot
Harry also saw members of the base’s dive team, deck team weapons display, operations team and band give demonstrations and talk to personnel about the duality of reservist and civilian duties.
Some families also participated in the visit on behalf of their local network of reservists.
The base is currently comprised of 335 members from the greater Toronto area, who serve part-time while juggling civilian jobs, and Harry’s involvement with the unit highlights the importance of their contributions to both the Canadian Armed Forces and their communities.
Courtesy of Laura Proctor, True Patriot
The Duke of Sussex was invited overseas by the True Patriot Love Foundation, a Canadian charity that supports military personnel, veterans and their families.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, his office announced that he would attend a private lunch hosted by True Patriot Love to discuss international veterans issues.
Tonight he will attend a private fundraising event in support of demining charity HALO Trust. The organization also supported her late mother, Princess Diana, when the landmine issue was drawing global attention.
Prince Harry’s office announced earlier this week that he will be visiting Canada until November 6th.
Courtesy of Laura Proctor, True Patriot
The timing coincides with his younger brother Prince William’s visit to Brazil to receive the 5th Earthshot Award.
The 43-year-old Prince of Wales and heir to the throne created the global competition in 2020 to inspire solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental problems. The year-long awards cycle concludes with tonight’s Earthshot Awards Ceremony, when the winners are announced.
Courtesy of Laura Proctor, True Patriot
While the estranged royal brothers simultaneously hit the ground running for causes close to their respective hearts, PEOPLE understands that the event Prince Harry will be attending was planned nearly a year in advance. The timing of the main event was decided by the charity, not the Duke of Sussex, and the royal press team was informed of the plans.
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to stay up to date on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and more!
As for the timing of Prince Harry’s announcement about his trip to Canada, PEOPLE understands that the Duke of Sussex no longer has the same level of security as a working member of the royal family, reducing the scope for him to publicize his engagement. Such announcements are made following guidance from his personal security advisor and the event’s security team.
Over the summer, reports emerged that Prince Harry had offered to share his schedule with the royal family, a move that was interpreted as an olive branch.
Tensions persist between King Charles’ sons after Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 and moved to the United States
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last visited Canada in February for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler, the seventh edition of the international adaptive sports tournament founded by Prince Harry in 2014 to uplift veterans.
“It’s incredible to be back in Canada. There is no better country than Canada to host the first Winter Olympics. Everyone is so excited,” the Duke of Sussex exclusively told PEOPLE at the time.
