Prince Harry admitted that “Canada gave me my wife” in a surprising confession during a speech at the 17th annual True Patriot Love Foundation national tribute dinner in Toronto.
The Duke of Sussex, who is the founding patron of the Invictus Games, joined the event centred around Remembrance Day.
In his speech, Harry said: “Truthfully and jokes aside, this city will always mean a great deal to me.
“You provided a wife for me and you hosted the Invictus Games in 2017, touchstones in my life both professionally and personally.
Prince Harry said that Canada ‘gave me my wife’
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“Together we witnessed something extraordinary. The strength of the human spirit that shines when people who have served rise again through sport, teamwork, and a redefined purpose.
“That spirit, the devotion to those who serve, is something Canada embodies like no other nation.”
The Duke of Sussex made regular visits to the Canadian metropolis after meeting Meghan in 2016, where she was based while filming the show, which made her famous, Suits.
Just before the couple went public, they celebrated Halloween together in Toronto, going unrecognised at a party with Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
Prince Harry said Canada’s ‘devotion to those who serve’ is unlike any other nation
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They made their first official appearance as a couple together at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.
Harry told attendees at the dinner that Meghan “lived in Toronto for years and has deep affection for this city, so much so that many people around the world believe she’s Canadian, so I think we can forgive a native Californian for her Dodgers loyalty, even if just for one evening”, in a reference to the couple wearing LA Dodgers hats against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Sussexes received criticism for wearing the hats, as Harry made jokes about “hatgate” throughout his speech.
He told the crowd: “Before I begin, I think it’s important we address the blue-hatted elephant in the room once more.
Harry and Meghan received criticism for wearing LA Dodgers hats
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GETTY“I am truly sorry for wearing a Dodgers hat. No excuses, but there were two reasons for wearing it.
“First, our host that night was the owner of the Dodgers and I believed it was the polite thing to do.
“Second, the 900,000-watt floodlights shining down on an ever-increasing bald spot.
“Given that level of scrutiny, I think I’d even have worn a Yankees cap. Well, maybe not a Yankees cap, but you get my dilemma.”
Prince Harry said the Invictus Games are ‘profoundly grateful for the experience and warm hospitality’
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Prince Harry has worked for a long time with the True Patriot Love Foundation in accordance with his Invictus Games, held in Canada in 2017 and February of this year, becoming the only nation to host it twice.
During his speech, Harry told attendees: “Canada has generously hosted the Invictus Games twice: first here in Toronto, and then most recently in Vancouver Whistler for our first memorable winter hybrid Games.
“On behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and all the servicemen and women from the 25 Invictus nations around the world who have given in service to their countries, we are profoundly grateful for the experience and warm hospitality.
“Through these Games, you have helped position the Invictus Movement as a global community in a complex world, born of common values of hope, respect, and a sense of belonging.
“I want to especially recognise the First Nations who were at the heart of the Games in Vancouver and Whistler as part of our shared journey of recovery, as well as for truth and reconciliation.
“Their contribution was profound and will resonate for years to come.”