Prince Harry slipped into Toronto yesterday with little fanfare but significant purpose, meeting with Canadian veterans at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre as part of his ongoing commitment to military communities worldwide.
The Duke of Sussex, who served two tours in Afghanistan during his decade with the British Armed Forces, spent several hours at the facility speaking with elderly veterans and participating in rehabilitation sessions. This marks his first visit to Toronto since 2017, when he hosted the Invictus Games here – the international sporting event he founded for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel.
“He wasn’t here as a royal, but as a fellow veteran,” remarked James Wilson, a retired Canadian Forces sergeant who met with Prince Harry. “The conversations were genuine. He wanted to hear our stories and share some of his own experiences with PTSD and military transition.”
Sunnybrook, which cares for approximately 375 veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and more recent conflicts, has been a cornerstone of Toronto’s veterans’ support system since 1948. Staff noted the Duke took particular interest in their innovative cognitive therapy programs.
Dr. Melissa Chen, head of rehabilitation services at Sunnybrook, told me the visit provided a meaningful boost for residents. “Many of our veterans light up when they can share their military experiences with someone who truly understands. Harry’s visit wasn’t about photos or publicity – he requested minimal media presence to keep conversations authentic.”
The timing of his visit, just days before Remembrance Day commemorations on November 11th, carries additional significance as Canadians prepare to honor those who served and sacrificed for the country.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow briefly attended the event, highlighting the city’s dedication to supporting its veteran population. “Toronto has always maintained deep connections with our military community,” she said. “Visits like this help remind us all of the ongoing needs of those who served.”
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry has continued his advocacy for military causes through his Archewell Foundation, focusing particularly on mental health initiatives for veterans. The Toronto stop follows his recent appearance at the Warrior Games in Orlando, which celebrates adaptive sports for wounded service members.
Veterans Affairs Canada estimates approximately 32,000 veterans currently reside in the Greater Toronto Area, with about 5,300 receiving ongoing care for service-related injuries or conditions.
For Robert Patterson, 93, who served in the Korean War, the Duke’s visit brought back memories of his own military service. “Different generation, different wars, but we speak the same language,” Patterson said. “He listened to my stories without rushing. That kind of respect means everything to us old-timers.”
Prince Harry departed Toronto last evening and is expected to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies in the UK later this week, though Buckingham Palace has not confirmed his official schedule.
As Toronto prepares for its own Remembrance Day services at the Old City Hall Cenotaph and across various community locations, this quiet royal visit serves as a timely reminder of the bonds that connect military communities across generations and borders.
Having covered veterans’ affairs for nearly a decade here in Toronto, I’ve observed how these personal connections often matter more than grand ceremonies to those who served. In our busy city life, it’s easy to overlook the ongoing needs of veterans – something that makes these moments of recognition, whether from royalty or everyday Torontonians, particularly meaningful as November 11th approaches.
