Prince Harry’s trip to Canada has been described as something of a marker in the sand as he sends a subtle message to his father, King Charles.
The Duke of Sussex met veterans, members of the armed forces community and military charities to mark Remembrance Sunday, in a two-day visit to Toronto.
His mannerism has been described as the “grown-up statesman-like Harry”, who is trying to prove his worth.
A friend of the prince told The Telegraph that Harry has made a subtle suggestion to the King, as if to say: “See how useful I could be?”
A friend said Harry could be telling the King: ‘See how useful I can be?’
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Harry was told when he left the UK that he could not adopt the “half in, half out” approach to royal life.
Buckingham Palace made it clear that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could not promote their charitable efforts on behalf of the institution while simultaneously pursuing their own commercial interests.
Almost six years on, Harry’s friends suggest his recent movements could be an implicit message to the King about his value.
The duke’s support for the military community has always remained consistent, having previously served alongside Canadian forces.
Prince Harry’s behaviour in Canada has been praised by his friends
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Earlier this year, the King journeyed to Canada, issuing a rallying cry for its sovereignty.
Charles became the first monarch to open the Canadian parliament since the late Queen in 1977, using the opportunity to tell its people that their country is “strong and free”, after Donald Trump threatened to annex it by making it America’s “51st state”.
Harry’s speech to military charity True Patriot Love contained its very own implicit nod to Canadian-US relations.
The Duke said: “Service, at its heart, is reciprocal. Those who serve protect our freedom, our safety, our way of life.
Harry has always been supportive of the military
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“And in return, we – as civilians – must protect their future. Through meaningful employment, mental health support, and community reintegration, we can honour not just their service, but their vast potential beyond it.
“This is the sacred bond that True Patriot Love helps to strengthen, and why gatherings like tonight matter so deeply.
“This is who you are, a people who show up for one another, who lead with quiet strength, and who still believe in kindness, service, loyalty and shared responsibility.
“Even your neighbours to the south benefit from that Canadian steadiness and grace.”
Harry apologised to Canadians for wearing a LA Dodgers hat
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The prince offered an apology to Canadians after sporting a Los Angeles Dodgers cap while watching the team face off against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Speaking to CTV News, Harry acknowledged what he termed “hatgate” and expressed regret for his sartorial decision.
“I was under duress,” he joked, before clarifying the circumstances.
“There wasn’t much choice. I was invited to the LA Dodgers box or the dugout by the owner himself. So, I was doing what I thought was the polite thing to do.
“When you’re missing a lot of hair on top and you’re sitting under flood lights, you’ll take any hat that’s available,” he quipped.