Prince Harry's trip to Canada has coincided with Prince William's engagements in Brazil as the feuding brothers have failed to avoid a diary clash.
The Duke of Sussex engaged with Canadian Reserve Forces personnel during a Toronto visit, connecting with troops from two of the nation's most storied Army Reserve regiments.
Harry spent time with members of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and the Royal Regiment of Canada, gaining insight into how these part-time soldiers maintain Canada's defence capabilities.
The visit, arranged through True Patriot Love, Canada's military and veteran foundation, showcased how reservists serve as crucial links connecting armed forces with civilian society.
Prince Harry's trip to Canada has coincided with Prince William's engagements in Brazil as the feuding brothers have failed to avoid a diary clash.
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These soldiers manage demanding dual lives, maintaining combat readiness for global deployments whilst pursuing full-time civilian professions.
Both regiments represent centuries of Canadian military heritage, with the Queen's Own Rifles established in 1860 as the nation's longest-serving infantry unit, whilst the Royal Regiment has participated in virtually all significant Canadian military engagements since 1866.
Recent operational deployments formed a key discussion point during the meetings.
Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Boileau, who commands the Queen's Own Rifles, shared experiences from his 2016 deployment to Baghdad supporting Operation IMPACT and his 2022 service in Warsaw under Operation UNIFIER.
His counterpart at the Royal Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Adam West, detailed his 2006 Afghanistan deployment as a Force Protection platoon commander.
The Prince of Wales Earthshot Prize award ceremony was hosted in Brazil on Wednesday evening
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West explained how his regiment continues supporting international missions, with personnel currently serving in Iraq through Operation IMPACT, Latvia via Operation REASSURANCE, and backing Ukraine under Operation UNIFIER.
Both commanders emphasised their units' sustained global contributions, with Queen's Own Rifles personnel having served across Afghanistan, Iraq and Poland in recent years.
These deployments demonstrate how Canada's reserve regiments maintain operational tempo alongside regular forces, providing essential capabilities for international commitments.
The unique demands of reserve service emerged through conversations with senior enlisted personnel.
Chief Warrant Officers Justin Thorn and Mariangeles Najlis, serving as Regimental Sergeant Majors for the Queen's Own Rifles and Royal Regiment respectively, outlined the distinctive challenges their roles present.
Harry spent time with members of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and the Royal Regiment of Canada, gaining insight into how these part-time soldiers maintain Canada's defence capabilities.
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Both senior non-commissioned officers juggle military leadership responsibilities alongside careers in civilian law enforcement. They described the rewards of reserve service whilst acknowledging the complexities of maintaining two professional identities.
Their duties extend beyond operational readiness to developing future military leaders.
The pair spoke about their commitment to guiding younger soldiers through training and career progression, ensuring the next generation of reservists can effectively balance military obligations with civilian pursuits.
Harry's naval engagement took him to one of the Royal Canadian Navy's 24 Reserve divisions, where he encountered Commander Paul Smith, who broke barriers in 2021 as the facility's first Black commanding officer.
The Duke of Sussex engaged with Canadian Reserve Forces personnel during a Toronto visit, connecting with troops from two of the nation's most storied Army Reserve regiments.
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Smith had previously made history in 2014 when he became the first Black officer to command a Canadian warship.
The duke witnessed various operational displays, including presentations from diving specialists, deck weapons teams, operations personnel and naval musicians. He spoke with reservists about managing their part-time naval commitments alongside civilian employment.
True Patriot Love CEO Nick Booth accompanied the proceedings throughout Harry's engagement with Canadian forces.
The facility draws 335 personnel from greater Toronto, continuing a legacy from the Second World War when 16,000 individuals enlisted through this location.
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