Prince Harry turned a promise to a 102-year-old World War II veteran into an unexpected family affair.
The Duke of Sussex had planned to skydive with veteran Ed Marshall after the pair bonded over their shared love of adventure. Medical evaluations stopped Marshall from making the jump himself, but his grandson stepped in to take his place.
Prince Harry had met Ed Marshall during an earlier visit to a veterans center at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. The two bonded over their shared love of adventure before planning to jump together.
Prince Harry Kept His Promise To A 102-Year-Old Veteran
Harry’s skydiving adventure began during a visit to a veterans center at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. The Duke was there to raise awareness and financial support for military charities when he met Marshall. The 102-year-old World War II veteran bonded with Harry over their mutual love of adventure.
The pair eventually planned to skydive together, turning their meeting into a memorable promise. Later medical evaluations prevented Marshall from safely making the jump himself. His grandson, Bailey, stepped in to take his place and skydive alongside Harry.
Marshall still refused to miss the experience entirely. He joined Harry and Bailey on the flight and was given a parachute, allowing him to experience the moment from the aircraft.
The Royal Observer revealed that Harry said Marshall had been “really excited” about the plan. He added, “There’s no version where you can let a 102-year-old veteran down!”
The World War II Veteran’s Grandson Joined The Duke For The Jump
Harry said Marshall was in the back of the aircraft during the jump. The veteran cheered on his grandson and the Duke from above. The situation even gave Harry something to joke about after landing.
He said Marshall had been persuasive enough to get him involved despite his own supposed reluctance. “I’ve just been blaming Ed anyways,” Harry joked. He added that he had claimed he did not want to do it and wished he could get out of it.
Harry also revealed that Meghan Markle didn’t need convincing about the stunt. He said she was relieved once they were safely down after repeatedly wondering whether they had landed.
The Duke described the entire experience with obvious affection for Marshall. He also joked that the veteran would turn 103 in a few months, making the adventure even more remarkable.
Prince Harry Reminisces About His North Pole Expedition With Wounded Veterans
Newspix International / MEGA
Harry’s connection with wounded veterans stretches back to his work with Walking With The Wounded. In April 2011, he joined the charity’s North Pole expedition as its Expedition Patron. The Duke joined a team that set out on a 200-mile journey toward the North Pole.
The expedition faced temperatures as low as -60°C while the team pulled their supplies across the ice. Walking With The Wounded reported that the team reached the North Pole in just 13 days.
The achievement came three days ahead of schedule and set a world record for the first unsupported team of injured veterans to reach the North Pole.
The expedition included Harry alongside polar expert Inge Solheim and Walking With The Wounded founder Ed Parker. Wounded servicemen Captain Guy Disney, Sergeant Steve Young, Private Jaco Van Gass and Captain Martin Hewitt also took part.
Fifteen years later, Harry said the march was “a powerful reminder of the tenacity and courage” of people injured while serving. He also said it encouraged more veterans to speak up and seek support.
Harry continues to describe supporting veterans as a privilege. He said, “It’s always a privilege to stand alongside the veteran community and to support the vital work of Walking With The Wounded.”
The Duke Of Sussex Previously Walked Across Britain With Wounded Veterans
Francis Dias/NEWSPIX INTERNATIONAL / MEGA
Harry’s involvement with wounded veterans also included a trek across Britain. He joined six ex-servicemen and women for part of a 1,000-mile journey around the country. The Duke walked a 17-mile section through Shropshire with the group.
Their route finished at Ludlow Castle, giving Harry another opportunity to support the charity publicly. BBC shared that all six participants had suffered injuries while serving.
Many of those injuries occurred during service in Afghanistan. The 72-day expedition had started in Scotland the previous month. It was scheduled to finish at Buckingham Palace on 1 November.
Former American football star Dan Marino also joined Harry during the Shropshire section. The expedition aimed to raise awareness of Walking With The Wounded and its support for injured veterans.
Harry described the Walk of Britain challenge as “formidable” and stressed the importance of supporting servicemen and women transitioning into civilian life.
Prince Harry Also Reached The South Pole With Injured Service Personnel
Harry’s involvement with Walking With The Wounded also took him to Antarctica in 2013. He joined 13 injured service personnel for a grueling 200-mile trek to the South Pole. The expedition reportedly abandoned its competitive element because conditions were so difficult.
The UK, US and Commonwealth participants focused on reaching the destination together. The service personnel pulled sleds weighing 11 stone, or 70 kilograms, while completing the journey despite life-changing injuries. Harry, who had served two tours in Afghanistan, described reaching the pole as an “amazing feeling.”
Harry reportedly celebrated the successful expedition by planning “a few whiskies” with the team. He also praised the injured personnel. He said their achievement showed how much was still possible when people believed nothing was left, per The Guardian.
Source link
