Prince Harry returned to Toronto on Wednesday for two full days of events. It doesn’t look like there was any credentialed press at these events, and the only photos which exist were taken by an in-house photographer, working for the Sussexes in some capacity – I have no idea if Laura Proctor, the photographer, traveled with Harry or whether she simply took a job working for a few days with Harry. Harry looked great, and he was very much in his element. From Sussex.com:
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, spent time with members of Canada’s Reserve Forces during his visit to Toronto, meeting with soldiers from two historic Army Reserve units. The visits highlighted the vital role Reserve Forces play in Canada’s military capability. Reserve members balance civilian careers with military service, create a bridge between military and civilian communities while maintaining operational readiness for deployments worldwide.
Prince Harry met with soldiers from the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and the Royal Regiment of Canada. Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Boileau, Commanding Officer of the Queen’s Own Rifles, and Lieutenant-Colonel Adam West, Commanding Officer of the Royal Regiment of Canada, discussed their units’ recent deployments and ongoing contributions to Canadian military operations worldwide.
At one of the largest of the Royal Canadian Navy’s 24 Reserve divisions, Prince Harry met with Commander Paul Smith, 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. Commander Smith and Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Payton provided an overview of the unit’s mission to train and deploy sailors for Royal Canadian Navy operations while maintaining a strategic presence in Canada’s largest city.
Prince Harry observed 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. Some families joined the visit, reflecting the community that supports Reserve service members. The base currently consists of 335 members from the greater Toronto area who serve part-time while maintaining civilian careers—a tradition dating back to the Second World War, when over 16,000 people joined the Navy through the unit.
Prince Harry’s engagement with these units acknowledged the dual commitment required of reservists and the families who support them. Through training, deployments, and domestic operations, reservists contribute essential capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces while remaining deeply connected to their local communities. The 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. Nick Booth, CEO of True Patriot Love, was also present.
While Harry’s team has taken pains to emphasize that this visit is on behalf of True Patriot Love, the events themselves are indistinguishable from the kinds of events a “working royal” would do. Visiting military units, taking part in various naval demonstrations, riding on a boat, looking at guns, talking about experiences in war, glad-handing servicemen and women… this is exactly what King Charles has done a million times, and what they wish Prince William would do with more regularity. It’s just funny… you can take the man out of the royal family, but you can’t take the royalty from the man. Anyway, Harry looked a million times more natural and authentic in Toronto than William did in his sad little stunts and photo-ops in Brazil.
Header photo courtesy of Laura Proctor for Sussex.com.
It’s nice to see that Harry engages with those that he meets. His attention to all he talks with and meets is genuine! It’s not an act he wants to be there and he wants to talk honestly with them!
There’s such an approachability about him….rather than the aloof “I’m better than you but I will lower myself to your level” air about the left-behinds.
Harry inspires people. The others don’t make an impression.
That’s EXACTLY it.
You can just tell that Harry has been doing this his whole life, while his brother is playing catch up at 43 🥱
He certainly is a natural at this.. then you have his “jewel”covering awkward brother it is a very noticeable difference. I admit I am enjoying the differences in the photos.
Harry will always show up for veterans. It really is strange that Billy Idle isn’t doing that any more (VJ day, Rememberance…). After all, he will be their figurehead in a few years time. Why should they serve him, if he can’t even go to their events. Sorry these things are a boring old chore for you, Scooter.
The wrong son is heir to the throne. If circumstances were better King Henry IX and Queen Meghan woulf make the House of Windsor shine. But even they can’t overcome Andrew/Epstein.
the contrast between these photos and the Earthshot photos- is just jarring, to say the least. Harry radiates charm, charisma and sincerity. This is who he really is, and it shows.
His brother, on the other hand, looks stiff, cold, mostly disinterested.
If you knew nothing about either brother and only had these photos to go by, who would you rather meet? Harry, all day.
Harry looked relaxed & happy to be there and he is respected.
He remains Diana’s heir.
That’s our Harry! Committed to the cause, no silly stunts or photo ops and a very nice write up about the events on Sussex.com. Lots of background about the units and their mission. Harry looks so at home with the soldiers and navy personnel.
Keeping the focus on veterans and their service. Good for Harry.
Harry is so good at spotlighting and elevating military veterans and their families. He’s such a natural at it. I really enjoy seeing him in these spaces advocating for military veterans and their families. Kudos to him. 👍
The difference is confidence. Harry is confident and comfortable in himself and can focus on others. It’s odd that William, who has all the entitlement and position and wealth, seems such a nervous wreck all the time.
I would have used a different ‘c’ word – caring. Harry cares about other people, especially those who have served, or are still serving in the military, and their families. If Willy actually cares about anybody besides himself and his close family and friends, it’s not obvious.
I know people who really care about the charities they support but are a self-conscious mess in public. William’s lack of caring is obvious by the choices he makes, not necessarily by his public demeanor.
Prince Harry appears to sincerely enjoy interacting with his comrades.
Harry always looks most alive and in his element among fellow veterans. His sense of purpose is crystal clear.
Per the interwebs, Laura Proctor appears to be a ‘freelance photojournalist in Toronto, Ontario frequently covering news, politics and other stories for The Globe and Mail and The Canadian Press. She has contributed to a number of other publications and wires including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, The Local.to and others…Laura is a proud member of Women Photograph and United Photojournalists of Canada.’ She is also a ‘certified drone pilot.’
Nice, thanks @Kirk!
I know Harry just wants to help people. He’s doesn’t necessarily care about the PR stuff but this is where I would have loved a Toronto new station or something involved.
Obviously he’s still gonna get press but it would just be nice for the stories not to be attached to William. A local team could have helped distribute some fun videos from these events.
Well, Harry wanted to continue his royal work, that’s why he put forward the half in proposal. The Royal Family refused to accept it and is now crying about being overshadowed by Harry. Harry has decided that he going to continue the work he was doing as a working royal without the support of the Royal Family just like his mother did when she left the family. Good for Harry.
Harry also dresses so much better than TOB. Meghan really did give him a glow-up.
And you can tell he loves these kinds of engagements, another striking difference.
I am wishing for Meghan and Harry to keep making money . They have such high security costs because of all these nut job media .
No doubt, Harry got all of his mother’s charisma. It shines through, no matter what he is doing.