Prince Harry has firmly dismissed accusations that his recent announcement of a visit to Canada was an attempt to overshadow Prince William’s tour in Brazil. As his older brother embarked on a significant five-day journey for the Earthshot Prize, Harry’s plans were unveiled, sparking speculation of sibling rivalry. However, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex clarified that the timing was dictated by security constraints and not by any personal agenda. “Harry doesn’t receive the same level of security and protection as other senior royals,” the spokesperson explained, “which limits when we can publicly share details of his engagements.”

While Prince William touched down in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his prestigious environmental award, the Earthshot Prize, Prince Harry’s team in California announced his upcoming trip to Toronto. The Duke of Sussex plans to engage with veterans and military charities in Canada ahead of Remembrance Sunday, coinciding with his brother’s activities in South America.

William’s visit marks a crucial moment in his royal duties, especially following recent family decisions, including the removal of Prince Andrew’s titles. Royal expert Victoria Arbiter described the timing of Harry’s announcement as “inevitable if not predictable.” Nevertheless, Harry’s representative emphasized that these events were scheduled well in advance. “The main event’s date, a charity dinner, was set nearly a year ago,” the spokesperson noted. “Furthermore, Remembrancetide, which spans from November 1st to 11th, has been a fixture for over a century, beyond Prince Harry’s control to alter.”

The spokesman added: ‘We are always guided – as to when we can announce trips like this, by the advice given to us by his private security advisers and the event’s security team. This visit, months in the planning, marks a return to a city that has a special place in the Duke’s heart, having played host to the Invictus Games back in 2017.’ The British royal household was informed of Harry’s Canada plans in advance – a sign that communications between the King and his youngest son are open again. 

But Harry and William, however, are understood not to be talking. They have a long reported rift which shows no sign of abating. Harry will attend a lunch with the military charity True Patriot Love Foundation on Wednesday and then a private fundraising function with the Halo Trust in the evening, the same day as William’s Earthshot Prize awards, the cornerstone of his ambitious drive to save the planet.

The next day, November 6, the Duke will visit the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of the largest veteran care facilities in Canada, and then in the evening, attend the 17th annual True Patriot Love National Tribute Dinner in celebration of military members, veterans and their families. Harry stepped down as a working senior royal in 2020 during Megxit and moved to the US. The Duke, who served in Afghanistan, was invited to Canada by the True Patriot Love Foundation.