Toronto ‘Provided a Wife’ & Purpose for a Grateful Prince Harry

Nov 12, 2025 by apost team

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, paid an emotional tribute to Toronto. In this city, two of the most defining chapters of his life began—the founding of his global veterans' initiative and his love story with Meghan Markle. Speaking at the True Patriot Love Foundation National Tribute Dinner in Toronto on November 6, 2025, the royal expressed gratitude to Canada for the country's role in both his personal and professional journey. 

The event, held at Liberty Grand, serves as the foundation's flagship fundraiser supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. Toronto, where Meghan lived for several years while filming the TV series "Suits," was the backdrop for the couple's relationship before they married in May 2018. 

Harry referenced his connection to the city with warmth, joking about the infamous "hat-gate" incident—when he wore a Los Angeles Dodgers cap to a World Series game: "Before I begin, I think it's important we address the blue hatted elephant in the room once more," he continued: "I am truly sorry for wearing a Dodgers hat."

The dinner was part of a week of engagements across Canada focused on Remembrance Day commemorations and support for veterans. Prince Harry—a former British Army captain who served two tours in Afghanistan—has long championed initiatives promoting recovery and resilience among service personnel.

Prince Harry's speech combined self-deprecating humor with heartfelt reflection, acknowledging both his love for Meghan and his commitment to honoring military service values that have defined much of his life's work.

In his speech, Harry said with humor and sincerity:

"Truthfully and jokes aside, this city will always mean a great deal to me, You provided a wife for me and you hosted the Invictus Games in 2017, touchstones in my life both professionally and personally."

His remarks celebrated Canada's enduring partnership with his signature project, the Invictus Games, the international adaptive sports tournament he founded in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Harry stated:

"Canada has generously hosted the Invictus Games twice: first here in Toronto, and then most recently in Vancouver Whistler for our first memorable winter hybrid Games."

Harry went on to recognize the First Nations communities who helped shape the Vancouver-Whistler Games, saying: "I want to especially recognize the First Nations who were at the heart of the Games in Vancouver Whistler as part of our shared journey of recovery, as well as for truth and reconciliation. Their contribution was profound and will resonate for years to come."

Beyond his formal duties, Harry's connection to Toronto carries a deeply personal meaning. It was here that he and Meghan first appeared publicly together at the 2017 Invictus Games—a symbolic blend of love, service, and shared values. He reminded the audience at the True Patriot Love Foundation: "Meghan lived in Toronto for years and has deep affection for this city." 

His visit also included stops at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's Veterans Centre, a meeting with Canada's Reserve Forces, and a fundraiser for The HALO Trust, the humanitarian landmine charity once championed by his late mother, Princess Diana.

apost.com

Prince Harry's words remind us that gratitude connects personal stories and public service. What city or place has shaped your most meaningful chapter? Pass this story on to inspire others to reflect on where their greatest blessings began.