Additional Coverage:
- Prince Harry’s Canada Trip Was Not a Shot at Brother Prince William, Spokesperson Says (usmagazine.com)
Prince Harry’s Canada Trip: Not a Dig at William, Spokesperson Clarifies
Toronto, ON – Prince Harry’s recent, last-minute trip to Canada for Remembrance Day events was not an attempt to overshadow his brother, Prince William, according to a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex. The unexpected timing, which drew criticism from royal observers, was attributed to security protocols rather than any strategic maneuvering.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, made headlines when his Toronto visit was announced just as Prince William, 43, was preparing for the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. This coincidence led royal expert Victoria Arbiter to label the announcement “inevitable if not predictable,” sparking speculation of a rift.
However, a spokesperson for Prince Harry clarified the situation to the Daily Mail on Tuesday, November 4, stating that the Duke is “not afforded the same level of security and protection as other working members of the Royal Family.” This, they explained, necessitates a much shorter window for releasing details about his public engagements compared to His Majesty the King or the Prince of Wales.
“The events were planned nearly a year ago,” the statement continued. “The date of the main event, the dinner, is set by the charity, not Prince Harry.” The Duke is scheduled to attend the True Patriot Love National Tribute Dinner on Thursday, November 6, an event supporting veterans that aligns with the long-established Remembrance period in the first week of November.
The spokesperson further emphasized that Prince Harry cannot choose to alter these historical dates. “We are always guided – as to when we can announce trips like this, by the advice given to us by his private security advisers and the event’s security team,” they added.
The statement concluded by highlighting the personal significance of Toronto for the Duke, noting, “This visit, months in the planning, marks a return to a city that has a special place in the Duke’s heart, having played host to the Invictus Games back in 2017.”
Reports from the Daily Mail on Tuesday indicate that the royal family was aware of Prince Harry’s travel plans to Canada in advance.
This latest clarification comes amidst ongoing efforts to mend the relationship between Prince Harry and the Royal Family, which has experienced tension since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their working roles in 2020. Earlier this year, a “super positive and very relaxed” meeting between Harry and King Charles III in London marked a significant step towards reconciliation, with a source exclusively telling Us Weekly in September that the reunion included “hugs and tears.”