Prince Harry has officially started his visit to Canada to mark Remembrance week, just hours before his brother, Prince William, is set to attend this year’s Earthshot Prize awards in Brazil. The Duke of Sussex headed to Toronto today, where he spent time with members of Canada’s Reserve Forces.
Harry met with soldiers from two Army Reserve units, the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and the Royal Regiment of Canada, and spoke to them about their recent deployments and ongoing contributions to Canadian military operations worldwide. He also learned about the training efforts for the Armed Forces and how regiment members continue to deploy on operations.
The Queen’s Own Rifles, founded in 1860, is Canada’s oldest continuously serving infantry regiment. The Royal Regiment of Canada, one of the country’s oldest infantry regiments, has participated in nearly every major Canadian military operation since the Fenian Raids of 1866.
Harry spoke with Chief Warrant Officer Justin Thorn and Chief Warrant Officer Mariangeles Najlis, Regimental Sergeant Majors of both units, about the unique challenges and the great rewards of Reserve service.
He also met with Commander Paul Smith at one of the largest of the Royal Canadian Navy’s 24 Reserve divisions, who made history as the first Black commanding officer of the unit in 2021 and the first Black Commanding Officer of a Canadian warship in 2014.
The duke then viewed demonstrations from the base’s dive team, deck team, weapons display, operations team, and band members, speaking with personnel in attendance about their dual roles as reservists and civilians and meeting their families.
According to a press release published on the Sussex website, Harry’s visit highlighted the “vital role” Reserve Forces play in Canada’s military capabilities.
It also said that the prince’s appearance acknowledged the “dual commitment required of reservists and the families who support them”.
Harry’s visit took place as part of his time in Toronto at the invitation of True Patriot Love, Canada’s national foundation for the military and Veteran community, his team said.
