Prince Harry completed a skydive to fulfil a promise made to 102-year-old Second World War veteran Ed Marshall, then immediately called Meghan to confirm that he had landed safely.
The Duke of Sussex jumped from a plane near Toronto as part of an effort to raise awareness and funds for two Canadian military charities: Sunnybrook and the True Patriot Love Foundation.
Harry made the commitment to World War II veteran Ed Marshall last year, after Marshall told the Duke that he had completed a skydive to mark his 100th birthday.
Inspired by the veteran’s story, Harry promised that they would skydive together when he returned to Toronto.
The Duke, who is preparing to host the Invictus Games for military veterans, spoke to Canadian broadcaster CTV shortly after completing the jump.
Harry said he had not needed to “convince” his wife, Meghan Markle, about the skydive, adding that she was “very relieved once we were down.”
“It took a while to get up, so I think she was like, ‘Are they down yet? Are they down yet?’” he said.
After landing safely, the first thing Harry did was call his wife.
Harry added: “I’m not in the business of letting people down, but you cannot let a 102-year-old veteran down.”
The Duke of Sussex jumped from a plane near Toronto to raise awareness and funds for two Canadian military charities
Harry called Meghan immediately after landing to tell her he was safe
Harry made the promise to World War II veteran Ed Marshall after learning that he had skydived for his 100th birthday
“There was the medical evaluation that he had, which meant he couldn’t skydive, and he was devastated that he couldn’t jump. But it was great to have him in the back.
“They did put a parachute on him. We did think that he was probably going to jump by himself.
“We’re glad he didn’t. He’s still here, and he’s going to be 103 in two months’ time.”
Harry also told CTV that things were going “great” after his family returned to Britain on August 26.
“It’s been great to be back on British soil,” he said.
Speaking about Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, Harry said: “The kids are happy in school, and it gives me a chance to really focus on Invictus in Birmingham.”
CTV said it asked the Duke what had prompted the family’s relocation. Harry replied that there were “lots of reasons” but did not elaborate, saying he did not want to divert attention from his fundraising efforts for Canadian veterans’ charities.
The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial reasons. However, speculation continues over why they unexpectedly moved to the UK from California, where they had built a life away from the monarchy.
Speculation ranges from the couple wanting their children to develop a closer relationship with their grandfather the King, Meghan seeking a return to acting and the Sussexes wanting to increase their profile.
From left: Dr. Andy Smith, Bailey Fullan, Prince Harry and Jeremy Blair proudly stand together after completing a charity skydive in support of Sunnybrook and True Patriot Love Foundation in Cookstown
Prince Harry leads group of skydivers to the plane ahead of a charity skydive
In the run-up to their return, Charles was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the family but remained adamant they would not be working royals, and there was no half-in, half-out option.
Within two weeks of arriving, there was reported pushback from Harry and Meghan after a letter, authorised by the King, was circulated by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders in the Government and military reiterating the couple were ‘private citizens’ and setting out guidance on how they should be treated.
The duke and duchess were said to be ‘surprised’ by the formal letter and the couple, who are waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, were reported to prefer the term ‘public figures’ instead.
Schooling has also been an issue for the Sussexes, with Archie and Lilibet moved to a new undisclosed institution after reportedly just two days in class.
The decision came after heavy traffic and the lengthy journey to the school reportedly put their security team under strain.