A beaming Prince Harry has arrived in Toronto ahead of the 2017 Invictus Games where he’s expected to make his first official public appearance with girlfriend Meghan Markle.
The smiling royal, 33, began the countdown by to his 2017 Invictus Games by meeting competitors in Canada taking part in a discussion about the global sporting competition.
There is speculation he will be joined at some point during his nine-day visit to Canada for the Games, by his actress girlfriend, 36, who lives and works in Toronto.
An appearance by Harry’s side will further cement rumours that an announcement of an engagement is imminent.
Smiling Prince Harry arriving at the True Love Symposium, a national charity dedicated to funding essential programs and services for military families, on the eve of the Invictus Games
Meghan Markle, 36, is widely expected to make her first official appearance with the Prince at some stage during the games
The Suits star, who has been dating the Queen’s grandson for just over a year, revealed her love for the prince in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine, prompting speculation the announcement of a royal engagement was merely a formality.
The actress declared: ‘We’re two people who are really happy and in love.
‘I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us.’
Harry, who founded Invictus and held the inaugural Games in 2014, will be in Toronto from September 22 to September 30.
Harry arriving for the True Patriot Love Symposium at the Scotia Plaza in Toronto, Canada
During his visit he will also hold a bilateral meeting with US First Lady Melania Trump and separate talks with Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau.
The prince built up a strong rapport with previous First Lady Michelle Obama, who is a staunch advocate for US military veterans and attended the opening of the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida.
It is likely Mrs Trump, a former model, will be in Canada to support the large American contingent taking part in the Games, a Paralympics-style global sporting tournament for wounded servicemen and women, and veterans.
On Friday Harry will attend a symposium, run by the veterans’ organisation True Patriot Love Foundation, and meet competitors taking part in a panel discussion on the impact the Games has on family and friends.
The Prince with British Gold Medal Winner for the 200m Dave Henson during the 2014 Games
During the eight-day Games, Harry will visit training sessions and watch participants competing in all 12 sports, including athletics, cycling and wheelchair basketball.
The prince, who is widely expected to wed his American girlfriend, will also visit a mental health and addiction teaching hospital, hand out Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Awards to young Canadians, attend a conference on military and veteran health research, and host a reception for the Invictus Games Foundation during his stay.
The high-profile closing ceremony on September 30 will feature performances by Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams and Kelly Clarkson.