Prince Harry is preparing for a charity skydive in one of his first public engagements following his return to the United Kingdom with his family. The Duke of Sussex, who relocated to Britain with Meghan Markle and their children in late August 2026, will take to the skies alongside fellow veterans to raise funds for military charities.
The upcoming jump is deeply personal, inspired by a promise Harry made to 102-year-old World War II veteran Ed Marshall during a visit to Sunnybrook Hospital’s veterans centre in Toronto last year. The pair “quickly bonded over their shared experience of military service” and devised a plan for a fundraising skydive that Harry is now set to fulfill.
Prince Harry Is Set to Take Part in a Charity Skydive
The Duke of Sussex has announced plans for a charity skydive scheduled to take place later in September 2026. The exact date and location have not yet been publicly disclosed, but the event is confirmed to be Harry’s first official public engagement since returning to Britain.
Harry will be joined by fellow veterans for the fundraising event, which will support two organizations dedicated to Canada’s military and veteran communities: Sunnybrook Foundation and True Patriot Love Foundation. The Duke has previously collaborated with True Patriot Love Foundation, which helped bring the Invictus Games to Canada in 2017 and 2025.
The 102-Year-Old Veteran Who Inspired Prince Harry’s Jump
Ed Marshall, a 102-year-old World War II veteran, is the inspiration behind Prince Harry’s upcoming skydive. Marshall trained as a paratrooper during the Second World War and served his country with distinction.
The veteran captured Harry’s attention when he shared his remarkable achievement of completing a fundraising skydive for his 100th birthday in July 2024, raising more than $100,000 for Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. Harry was reportedly “stunned and apparently rather impressed” by Marshall’s feat.
“I told him I was planning on jumping again and he said, ‘well I’ll join you,’ so I took him up on that,” Marshall recalled of his conversation with the Duke.
Prince Harry and Ed Marshall’s Meeting in Toronto
The Duke met Ed Marshall during a visit to Sunnybrook Hospital’s veterans centre in Toronto in November 2025, which coincided with Remembrance Day. The meeting was part of Harry’s ongoing commitment to veterans’ causes, a cause he has championed throughout his public life.
According to the Sunnybrook Foundation, the pair “quickly bonded over their shared experience of military service and the way they have continued to serve their communities.” Harry, who served for 10 years in the British Army and completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan, found common ground with the veteran who had served during World War II.
“The idea stuck, and together, they devised a plan for another jump,” the foundation said, confirming that Harry was inspired to join Marshall in a fundraising skydive.
Harry called Marshall two weeks ago to confirm he would be jumping in September, according to CTV News.
Ed Marshall Won’t Make the Jump — His Grandson Bailey Will Represent Him
While Ed Marshall inspired the charitable endeavor, the 102-year-old veteran will not be able to participate in the upcoming skydive. Marshall’s doctor advised him to keep his feet on solid ground after tests revealed he has only 50 percent heart function.
“My doctor got wind of this and sent me for all these tests, turns out I’ve only got 50 per cent of my heart,” Marshall told CTV News.
Instead, Marshall’s grandson Bailey will take the plunge in his honor. “My grandson, he’s never jumped before, but he has the right attitude about this, and I hope he enjoys it,” Marshall said.
Bailey’s participation ensures the generational connection continues, carrying on his grandfather’s “fearless legacy.”
Which Charities Will Benefit From Prince Harry’s Skydive?
The charity skydive will raise funds for two organizations supporting Canada’s military and veteran communities.
Sunnybrook Foundation
Sunnybrook Foundation supports Sunnybrook Hospital, which has deep military roots. Originally established as Sunnybrook Military Hospital after World War II, it now operates one of Canada’s largest veterans’ care facilities and provides specialized medical care and training for Canadian Armed Forces members. The foundation’s connection to veterans’ care made it a natural beneficiary for the fundraising event.
True Patriot Love Foundation
The True Patriot Love Foundation is a national Canadian charity that serves the military community through research, grants, and advocacy. It supports active Canadian Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families by strengthening family support, improving mental and physical wellbeing, and aiding recovery.
Harry has previously worked with True Patriot Love Foundation, which helped bring the Invictus Games to Canada in 2017 and 2025.
Prince Harry’s Longstanding Connection to Veterans
Harry’s commitment to veterans’ causes is deeply personal and long-standing. 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.
Following his military service, Harry wrote an essay expressing his pride at fighting for his country and warning how easy it is for veterans to be forgotten “once the uniform comes off.” He called on people to remember “not only the fallen, but the living” who carry the “weight of war” and urged them to “remind them their service still matters.”
How the Invictus Games Connects to Harry’s Veteran Work
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans. The Games have become a cornerstone of his charitable work and have been held in cities around the world.
Harry’s connection to the True Patriot Love Foundation stems from this work—the foundation helped bring the Invictus Games to Toronto in 2017 and supported the first winter Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler in 2025.
The charity skydive continues Harry’s long-standing commitment to veterans and aligns with the mission of both the Invictus Games and his broader charitable work.
Prince Harry’s Return to the U.K.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Archie and Lilibet returned to the United Kingdom in late August 2026. The family touched down at Birmingham Airport and have reportedly settled in the Cotswolds.
The move marks a significant change for the Sussexes, who had been living in California since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Archie and Lilibet have been enrolled in UK schools and were set to begin the school year in early September.
Is Prince Harry Returning as a Working Royal?
Despite returning to the U.K., Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not resumed working royal duties. King Charles has issued a directive clarifying that the couple remain non-working members of the royal family and private citizens.
A letter sent by the Lord Chamberlain on behalf of the King to senior government and military officials stated that Harry and Meghan “are no longer working Members of The Royal Family” and that “there is no change” to their status. Their HRH styles “remain in abeyance and are not used.”
The letter also clarified that “the charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.” This means Harry’s charity skydive is being undertaken as a private citizen rather than as an official royal engagement.
Harry Has Experience With Skydiving
Prince Harry’s upcoming charity jump is not his first experience with skydiving. During his military career, Harry would have undergone parachute training and has experience with airborne operations.
While the Duke is not a professional skydiver, his military background has given him familiarity with the activity. His two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller and Apache helicopter pilot required extensive training and operational experience.
Why the Charity Skydive Is Significant
The charity skydive holds significance on multiple levels. For Harry, it represents the fulfillment of a promise made to a fellow veteran. For the veteran community, it brings attention to the ongoing needs of those who have served their countries.
The event also marks Harry’s return to public life in Britain and demonstrates his continued commitment to veterans’ causes. By jumping alongside fellow veterans, Harry is showing solidarity with the military community that has been central to his identity and charitable work.
When and Where Will Prince Harry’s Skydive Take Place?
At this time, the exact date and location of Prince Harry’s charity skydive have not been publicly disclosed. The event is confirmed to take place sometime in September 2026.
The location is expected to be in the United Kingdom, where Harry is now based, though this has not been officially confirmed. The Sunnybrook Foundation confirmed the event but did not provide specific details.
What Happens Next for Prince Harry?
Following the charity skydive, Prince Harry is expected to continue his charitable work in the U.K. He is likely to attend his annual engagements around the WellChild awards, which are normally held in mid-September.
Meghan Markle is also reportedly aiming to rekindle her work with U.K.-based charities. The couple is expected to focus on getting their children settled in school before making a gradual return to public life.
Harry will continue his work with the Invictus Games and his remaining patronages, including WellChild and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
FAQs
Why is Prince Harry going skydiving?
Prince Harry is going skydiving to fulfill a promise he made to 102-year-old World War II veteran Ed Marshall. The event will raise funds for military charities and honor Marshall’s service.
When will Prince Harry skydive?
Prince Harry’s charity skydive is scheduled to take place sometime in September 2026. The exact date has not yet been announced.
Who inspired Prince Harry’s charity skydive?
Prince Harry’s charity skydive was inspired by 102-year-old World War II veteran Ed Marshall, who completed a fundraising skydive for his 100th birthday in 2024.
Who is Ed Marshall?
Ed Marshall is a 102-year-old World War II veteran who trained as a paratrooper. He met Prince Harry during a visit to Sunnybrook Hospital’s veterans centre in Toronto in 2025.
Which charities will benefit from Prince Harry’s skydive?
The charity skydive will benefit Sunnybrook Foundation and True Patriot Love Foundation, both of which support Canada’s military and veteran communities.
Is Prince Harry returning as a working royal?
No, Prince Harry is not returning as a working royal. King Charles has confirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family and private citizens.
Has Prince Harry skydived before?
Prince Harry has military experience that includes parachute training and airborne operations. He served for 10 years in the British Army and completed two tours in Afghanistan.
Where will Prince Harry’s charity skydive take place?
The location of Prince Harry’s charity skydive has not yet been publicly disclosed.