SHOCK: Prince Harry kisses ground after emotional skydive honouring 102-year-old veteran
Prince Harry marked a moving tribute to a 102-year-old Second World War veteran with a charity skydive in Canada — before revealing why the country remains so special to both him and Meghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex took to the skies above Ontario alongside fellow veterans in honour of Ed Marshall, a former paratrooper who previously celebrated his 100th birthday by completing a fundraising skydive of his own.
Harry had promised to take part in the latest jump and followed through, eventually landing safely in Cookstown, Ontario.
After touching down, the Duke was seen kissing the ground following the adrenaline-filled experience.
Harry Takes to the Skies for 102-Year-Old Veteran
The charity jump was organised in tribute to Marshall, whose own military background made the event particularly meaningful.
Marshall had hoped to participate again himself.
However, a heart condition prevented the 102-year-old veteran from making the latest jump.
Instead, his grandson Bailey stepped in and joined Harry in the air on his grandfather’s behalf.
The moment brought together multiple generations, with Harry taking part alongside veterans while Bailey represented Marshall during the jump.
For Harry, who served in the British Army, the occasion carried a strong connection to the military community he has continued to support publicly.
Duke Kisses the Ground After Landing
Footage from the event showed Harry landing in Cookstown following the skydive.
Once safely back on the ground, the Duke was captured leaning down and kissing the earth.
The gesture followed what had been an intense jump and quickly became one of the standout images from the day.
Harry appeared relieved after completing the challenge, having honoured the commitment he had made to Marshall.
The Duke’s appearance also gave him an opportunity to speak about another personal connection to Canada.
Harry Reveals Why Canada Means So Much to Meghan
Harry reflected on the years Meghan spent in the country before their marriage.
“I love Canada,” he said.
“My wife lived here for seven years.”
He added that Meghan became so closely associated with the country during that period that “most people thought that she was Canadian”.
The Duchess lived in Canada for several years while working on the television drama Suits.
For Harry, that history has helped make the country personally meaningful to both of them.
“Canada has a very special place in my heart,” he said.
“So I always come back.”
Personal Memories Add Meaning to Visit
Harry’s comments offered a brief glimpse into the couple’s connection with Canada while he was taking part in an event centred on veterans and remembrance.
The focus of the day remained Marshall and the charity skydive, but the Duke’s remarks about Meghan added a more personal element to the visit.
The country played an important role in Meghan’s life before she joined the Royal Family, and Harry made clear that those years remain part of why Canada continues to matter to them.
For Harry, the trip combined two deeply personal themes: his longstanding connection with the veteran community and a country closely tied to his relationship with Meghan.
And after completing the jump in honour of Marshall, his kiss of the ground made clear just how relieved he was to be safely back on Canadian soil.
