Prince Harry has revealed one of his first major public engagements following his return to the U.K., and it is far more daring than a typical royal appearance.
The Duke of Sussex is preparing to take part in a charity skydive this September, joining fellow veterans for an event designed to raise money for military-related causes.
The announcement comes shortly after Harry and Meghan Markle returned to Britain with their children for an extended stay. Harry’s new engagement gives him an opportunity to combine his military background with his long-standing support for veterans.
The idea behind the skydive has a particularly personal connection.
Harry was inspired by 102-year-old Canadian World War II veteran Ed Marshall, whom he met during a visit to the veterans centre at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto last year.
Marshall served as a paratrooper and had previously completed his own charity parachute jump when he reached the age of 100.
The remarkable achievement apparently left a lasting impression on Harry. The pair connected through their shared military experiences, and Harry subsequently committed to taking part in a future jump.
Although Marshall will not be able to participate in the upcoming event, his grandson Bailey is expected to represent him during the challenge.
The fundraising skydive will support the Sunnybrook Foundation and the True Patriot Love Foundation, organisations that provide support to veterans, military members and their families.
For Harry, the event is also closely linked to his continued work with the military community. His experience in the British Army and his involvement with veterans through the Invictus Games have remained important parts of his public work since stepping back as a working royal.
The skydive therefore carries more meaning than simply being an adrenaline-filled challenge. It allows Harry to honour a veteran who inspired him while also helping raise awareness and funds for military communities.
The timing is also significant because this is among Harry’s first announced public engagements since returning to the U.K. with Meghan and their children.
The couple recently relocated from California to Britain for an extended period while continuing to maintain their wider life and professional interests in the United States. Their return has generated considerable interest because it brings the Sussex family closer to Harry’s British roots and the wider Royal Family.
Harry is also preparing for future Invictus Games commitments, including the 2027 Games in Birmingham, making his renewed presence in Britain particularly relevant to his veterans-focused work.
For now, however, the spotlight is firmly on the skydive.
Harry has already demonstrated his willingness to take on physically demanding challenges for causes he supports. This latest event adds another dramatic chapter to that record while fulfilling a promise inspired by a remarkable Canadian veteran.
The exact date and location of the skydive have not yet been publicly disclosed.
What is clear is that Prince Harry's first major engagement following his return to the U.K. will not be a quiet one. Instead, the Duke is preparing to literally take to the skies in support of veterans — turning a personal promise into a fundraising mission.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry has announced a charity skydive following his return to the U.K.
- The event will support Canadian military charities.
- Harry was inspired by 102-year-old WWII veteran Ed Marshall.
- Marshall completed a parachute jump at the age of 100.
- Marshall’s grandson Bailey is expected to join Harry for the jump.
- The fundraiser will benefit Sunnybrook Foundation and True Patriot Love Foundation.
