Prince Harry has honoured a heartfelt promise to a 102-year-old World War II veteran by completing a charity skydive in Toronto, Canada. The Duke of Sussex joined forces with Ed Marshall’s grandson, Bailey, after a medical assessment deemed Marshall unable to undertake the leap himself.
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The inspiring connection between Harry and Marshall began last November during a visit to the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto. The two struck up a friendship, bonding over their military experiences and shared commitment to supporting the veteran community. Their immediate plan was to jump from a plane together, a commitment that Harry was determined to fulfil.
Unfortunately, due to health concerns, Marshall could not make the jump. However, Bailey stepped in to take his grandfather’s place, with Marshall watching from the aircraft as Harry and Bailey took to the skies. After successfully completing the skydive, Harry expressed his dedication to ensuring that Marshall’s significance was not overlooked. “There’s no version where you can let a 102-year-old veteran down,” he said, recounting Marshall’s disappointment at not being able to jump himself.
Despite the circumstances, Harry described the experience as joyful. He noted, “They did put a parachute on him. We did think that he was probably going to jump by himself—glad he didn’t and he’s still here! And he’s going to be 103 in a few months’ time.” His words highlighted both the bond he developed with Marshall and his respect for veterans.
Upon landing, Harry’s first action was to call his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. When asked about her reaction, Harry revealed that she was relieved once he had safely returned to solid ground. He noted, “It took quite a while to get up, so I think she was like, ‘Are they down yet? Are they down yet?’” He humorously attributed his involvement in the skydive to Marshall’s persuasive nature.
Bailey expressed how meaningful it was for Harry to jump in honour of his grandfather’s legacy. “You would never assume that somebody with your schedule would do something to put yourself on the line,” Bailey shared, adding that this connection to Marshall’s service was surreal for their family. He emphasised that Harry’s down-to-earth nature made them feel comfortable, further strengthening the relationship between them.
After his adventure, Harry took a moment to discuss life back in the United Kingdom, following the family’s recent move from the United States. He reported that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are thriving at school, stating, “It’s great to be back on British soil,” alluding to his excitement to return home.
With a wink to his recent skydive, Harry added, “It’s great to be back on terra firma, actually!” He also highlighted his upcoming focus on the Invictus Games, which will take place in Birmingham next July. This reiteration of his engagement with veterans’ affairs revealed his ongoing commitment to supporting the military community.
Marshall, a retired paratrooper who trained throughout the Second World War, had previously made headlines by embarking on a charity skydive himself to celebrate his 100th birthday. This moment reflects a legacy that inspired Harry to bravely take on the challenge in remembrance of Marshall’s spirit and service.
The charity skydive served to benefit two organisations that play a crucial role in supporting Canada’s military community: the Sunnybrook Foundation and the True Patriot Love Foundation. Harry’s relationship with these entities is longstanding; the latter played a pivotal role in introducing him to Sunnybrook and helped bring the Invictus Games to Canada in 2017 and 2025.
Harry’s charity jump marks one of the first public appearances he and Meghan have made since returning to the UK. Just a day prior, he was in New York City, where he spoke at a panel aimed at supporting young people’s mental health and workplace integration, as well as attending the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting.
The Duke of Sussex continues to engage deeply with issues affecting veterans and young people alike, using his platform to further awareness and support for those in need. His recent skydive stands testament to his unwavering commitment to the military community while showcasing the importance of personal connections and promises kept.