His youngest son, Prince Harry, has taken the Invictus Games to the country for the winter sports tournament in 2025, spending three days in Vancouver and Whistler this week to promote it.
Chief Wayne Sparrow, of the Musqueam Nation, told the Sunday Telegraph that being able to host the upcoming Invictus Games, the event dedicated to wounded and ill veterans and military personnel, “means a lot” on their home soil in British Columbia.
He said: “Especially with the Crown and reconciliation, it means a lot. The first time I met Prince Harry, he said to me: 'I want to know more about reconciliation.'
“A lot of politicians will say that but they don't mean it, and now I have the opportunity next year to have those discussions [with Prince Harry]”.
Next year's games will be hosted on the traditional lands of the Lil'luwat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Wauthau nations in Canada.
Reconciliation, the ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships with indigenous peoples, was at the forefront of the Invictus 2025 campaign, with the Duke and Duchess attending events with chiefs and youth ambassadors.
In a speech at a banquet to celebrate 'one year's survival' until Invictus, the Duke told guests: 'These Games have been warmly welcomed by the four host First Nations, who have opened their arms and their land to each and every one of us, not just tonight but in the lead-up to And during next year's games.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Your generosity is cherished.
“Our collective journey through truth and reconciliation is important to all of us, and as we come here to learn, I hope we can leave and return as friends.”
The Duke and Duchess were led into the room by representatives of the Tsleil Wutooth nation, who sang and played drums in traditional regalia.
