Prince Harry to take part in charity skydive
Prince Harry is to take part in a skydive to raise money for charity in honour of a former paratrooper who previously jumped out of a plane to mark his 100th birthday.
Prince Harry is to take part in a skydive to raise money for charity.
The Duke of Sussex will carry out the stunt later this month in honour of 102-year-old war veteran and former paratrooper Ed Marshall, who previously jumped out of a plane to mark his 100th birthday. After meeting Ed in Canada last year, the pair came up with a plan for Harry's own skydive, which will raise funds for the Sunnybrook Foundation and the True Patriot Love Foundation, organisations which support Canada’s military and Veteran communities.
A statement posted on Sunnybrook's website explained: "When Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex met 102-year-old World War II Veteran Ed Marshall last year, they quickly bonded over their shared experience of military service and the way they have continued to serve their communities.
"Ed trained as a paratrooper during the Second World War, while the Duke served for 10 years in the British Army, completing two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller and Apache helicopter pilot.
"Ed amazed Prince Harry when he proudly recounted the fundraising skydive he completed to mark his 100th birthday. The idea stuck, and together, they devised a plan for another jump."
The message added: "This September, Prince Harry will take to the skies alongside fellow Veterans for a fundraising skydive in honour of Sunnybrook Veteran Ed Marshall.
"Ed’s grandson Bailey will proudly carry on his grandfather’s fearless legacy as part of the day. The jump will support Sunnybrook and True Patriot Love Foundation ... "
The date and location of the stunt have yet to be revealed. It will mark one of Harry's first public appearances since he moved back to his native UK with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
The family has been living in California for the last few years, but they are now expected to base themselves in the UK for the foreseeable future with both the children being enrolled in school in the country.
The couple will reportedly live in a private, non-royal residence outside London while retaining their homes in California and Portugal, and are said to not be returning as working members of the royal family.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, 48, recently explained he believes the move across the Atlantic has been fuelled by Harry's desire to be closer to his father, King Charles.
He told Us Weekly: “I imagine King Charles has played a part in their decision, and Harry wanting to spend more time with his father.
"I think behind closed doors Harry and the King have been working hard to heal their relationship. Only so much can be done when they live so far apart, so I think this is Harry making his dad his priority, which is really nice to see."
Grant added: “I think the King will be delighted to have his son and daughter-in-law closer to home. He’s well aware that their rift will never be healed when they’re only seeing each other once a twice a year, this is the next step that’s needed if they want to heal their relationship."
The comments follow a significant development in Harry and Charles’ relationship in July, when the duke, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet visited Charles and Queen Camilla, 79, at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
The meeting marked the first time Charles had seen his grandchildren in person since 2022. Charles is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of Harry and his family privately after their years in the US.
