Prince Harry has a lot to thank Canada for.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, — who is a veteran and founding patron of the Invictus Games — was invited to the country by the True Patriot Love Foundation in a trip centered around events connected to Remembrance Day, the British equivalent of Veterans Day in the U.S.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, he attended the 17th annual True Patriot Love Foundation National Tribute Dinner in Toronto. Prince Harry mentioned his wife, Meghan Markle’s connection to Canada during his speech at the event.

“Truthfully and jokes aside, this city will always mean a great deal to me,” said Prince Harry. “You provided a wife for me and you hosted the Invictus Games in 2017, touchstones in my life both professionally and personally.”

“Together we witnessed something extraordinary. The strength of the human spirit that shines when people who have served rise again through sport, teamwork, and a redefined purpose,” he continued, adding, “That spirit, the devotion to those who serve, is something Canada embodies like no other nation.”

After meeting in 2016, the Duke of Sussex made regular visits to Toronto, where California native Meghan was living while filming Suits. 

Just before their romance was revealed to the public, the couple celebrated Halloween together in Toronto, going unrecognized at an apocalypse-themed party with Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

They then made their first official appearance as a couple at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto.

Prince Harry told True Patriot Love Foundation National Tribute Dinner attendees on Thursday that Meghan “lived in Toronto for years and has deep affection for this city, so much so that many people around the world believe she’s Canadian, so I think we can forgive a native Californian for her Dodgers loyalty, even if just for one evening,” he joked, referring to the “hatgate” controversy.

Prince Harry received backlash after wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers hat while attending Game 4 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium alongside Meghan on Oct. 28, — instead of showing support for Canada’s own Toronto Blue Jays.

Harry also mentioned “hatgate” at the start of his speech, telling the crowd, “Before I begin, I think it’s important we address the blue hatted elephant in the room once more.”

“I am truly sorry for wearing a Dodgers hat. No excuses, but there were two reasons for wearing it. First, our host that night was the owner of the Dodgers and I believed it was the polite thing to do. Second, the 900,000-watt floodlights shining down on an ever-increasing bald spot,” he joked, adding, “Given that level of scrutiny, I think I’d even have worn a Yankees cap. Well, maybe not a Yankees cap, but you get my dilemma.”

He spoke at the dinner held to honor the True Patriot Love Foundation, which works to support members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and their families through grants, advocacy and research, and the National Tribute Dinner is the charity’s flagship fundraiser.

The event at Liberty Grand, a waterfront event venue, was billed as Canada’s largest celebration held in support of military members, veterans and their families.

The evening convenes business and government leaders, distinguished military representatives and dignitaries to honor the military and veteran community, which is one of Harry’s close causes. His attendance aimed to highlight the service and sacrifice of the military in Canada and beyond, recognizing the challenges personnel can face during and after service.

Prince Harry has long worked with the True Patriot Love Foundation in correlation with his Invictus Games. The foundation secured the tournament for Canada twice and the Invictus Games were held in Canada in 2017 and February of this year, becoming the only nation to host the competition twice.

During his speech, Harry told attendees, “Canada has generously hosted the Invictus Games twice: first here in Toronto, and then most recently in Vancouver Whistler for our first memorable winter hybrid Games. On behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and all the servicemen and women from the 25 Invictus nations around the world who have given in service to their countries, we are profoundly grateful for the experience and warm hospitality.

“Through these Games you have helped position the Invictus Movement as a global community in a complex world, born of common values of hope, respect, and a sense of belonging,” he continued. “I want to especially recognize the First Nations who were at the heart of the Games in Vancouver Whistler as part of our shared journey of recovery, as well as for truth and reconciliation. Their contribution was profound and will resonate for years to come.”

Inspired by the Warrior Games organized by the Department of Defense in the U.S., King Charles’ son launched the Invictus Games as an international adaptive sports tournament for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans in 2014.

Following a successful launch in London, the Invictus Games has continued ever since, welcoming veterans and transforming lives with each cycle.

Speaking to PEOPLE in February, Prince Harry said that it was impactful to bring the tournament back to Canada for the inaugural winter edition in Vancouver and Whistler.

“It’s incredible to be back in Canada. Canada couldn’t be more appropriate to host the first Winter Games. Everyone is so excited,” the Duke of Sussex said then.

Harry attended the 2025 Invictus Games with Meghan and began his latest trip to Canada on Nov. 5.

The Duke of Sussex’s office announced earlier this week that he would travel to Toronto for events commemorating Remembrance Day, which falls on Nov. 11.

Stops on his schedule included a meeting with members of Canada’s Reserve Forces, a fundraiser for The HALO Trust, the land mine-clearing charity he follows his late mother, Princess Diana, in supporting, and a visit to the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of the country’s largest care facilities for veterans.

While he was away, his wife Meghan was spotted on the set of Close Personal Friends in Pasadena, California on Nov. 5.

The Duchess of Sussex reportedly has a cameo role in the upcoming film starring Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding, marking a return for the former actress.