The Duke of Sussex joined over 500 guests at Liberty Grand for True Patriot Love Foundation’s National Tribute Dinner, Canada’s premier event honoring the military community. As both a veteran and dedicated advocate for service members worldwide, the Duke’s attendance reflected his enduring commitment to supporting those who serve.
The Duke’s return to Canada follows the historic Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, which marked the Games’ first-ever winter edition earlier this year. His presence at the dinner acknowledged True Patriot Love’s instrumental role in bringing that landmark event to fruition, building on the foundation’s previous support of the Toronto 2017 Invictus Games.
As the main funder of Team Canada, True Patriot Love, Canada’s national foundation for the military community, has been central to the Invictus movement’s growth over the past decade, changing thousands of lives, not only for competitors but for their families and communities as well.
The evening brought together business leaders, dignitaries, and supporters from across Canada to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. Throughout the evening, the Duke met with veterans, active service members, and their families, sharing conversations about their experiences. Among those in attendance were familiar faces from the Vancouver Whistler Games, including James Gendron. Prince Harry shared James’s story with the world at the 2023 Düsseldorf Invictus Games and James bravely went on to play at the opening of the 2025 Vancouver/Whistler games. Tonight, he shared his talent once again during the evening’s proceedings.
The timing of the event, just days before Remembrance Day, added significance to this annual gathering. The Duke spoke to his personal connection with Canada’s military, from his training at CFB Suffield in Alberta to serving alongside Canadian Armed Forces members during his deployment in Afghanistan. This experience showed him firsthand the professionalism, courage, and distinctive character that define Canadian service members.
The evening included the presentation of the Patriot Award to General Rick Hillier, whose leadership throughout his distinguished career and instrumental role in establishing True Patriot Love in 2009 has created a lasting legacy, strengthening both the country and those who serve it.
Laura Proctor for True Patriot Love
