Prince Harry shared an emotional moment at the Invictus Games wheelchair curling event yesterday, opening up about the recent loss of his family's beloved dog whilst meeting a service animal.
The Duke of Sussex was visibly moved during his encounter with Thorn, a black Labrador retriever who supports mental health for first responders in the Yukon.
The touching interaction occurred as Harry and Meghan attended the second day of the sporting event in Canada, where they met Ali Harper and her three-year-old service dog.
The moment highlighted the royal couple's deep connection to their pets, coming just weeks after the death of their rescue beagle, Guy.
Prince Harry shared an emotional moment at the Invictus Games wheelchair curling event yesterday, opening up about the recent loss of his family's beloved dog whilst meeting a service animal.
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Harper, 43, told People: "Harry came right over and sat down right next to Thorn and kneeled down and started petting him and said how much he misses his dog."
"And said thank you very much for what we do with Thorn," she added.
The Duchess of Sussex also participated in the heartfelt moment at the wheelchair curling competition.
According to Harper, Meghan had a "small interaction with Thorn as well, and then we were able to take a group photo."
The Duchess of Sussex announced in January that the Sussexes' family dog Guy had died
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The emotional moment follows Meghan's recent Instagram tribute to her dog Guy, shared on January 7th.
The video montage featured family photos and clips of the beagle, who Meghan had rescued from a Kentucky kill shelter in 2015.
"He was with me at Suits, when I got engaged, (and then married), when I became a mom," Meghan wrote, noting Guy's presence during significant life moments.
The beloved pet shared special moments with Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
The Duke and Duchess continue to share their home with two other dogs, a black Labrador named Pula and a senior rescue beagle called Mamma Mia.
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The moment highlighted the royal couple's deep connection to their pets, coming just weeks after the death of their rescue beagle, Guy.
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Thorn's presence at the Games has been crucial in supporting athletes and their families, Harper explained.
"We've had lots of feedback from athletes and the VIPs and families of just what this has been able to do to provide support," she said, noting many participants couldn't bring their own dogs.
The service dog particularly enjoyed the opening ceremony on February 8th, which featured performances by Katy Perry and Chris Martin.
"He had a good snooze right after with everybody," Harper shared. "He was a little tired!"
"This is what he does. He loves meeting new people and just working with them when they're struggling and being able to provide that little bit of comfort," she added.
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