Prince Harry Recreates His Grandmother Queen Elizabeth's Ceremonial Puck Drop

Prince Harry is in Canada for the 2025 Invictus Games—but he took some time out of his busy schedule to enjoy a little hockey.
This afternoon, following the Invictus Games opening ceremony, the Duke of Sussex was in attendance at the Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena. Prince Harry joined Team Canada athletes Lee Jarratt and Andre Crocker for the ceremonial puck drop before the game.
Prince Harry is in the house for the Canucks game today! 🎥: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/WAdoUIAiZI
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) February 9, 2025
Today's match-up against the Toronto Maple Leafs was one of the team's many community and fan engagement nights of the season—fittingly, it is the 'Invictus Games Night.' While there's no hockey in this year's Invictus Games, for the first time, the sporting competition will include winter sports: alpine skiing and snowboarding, nordic skiing and biathlon, skeleton, and wheelchair curling.
'One of the most powerful ways of healing comes not from the hospital or recovery center, but from having a sense of purpose,' Harry said in his speech at the opening ceremony earlier today. 'A sense of belonging. From being a part of something greater than ourselves. And that healing, though it begins with you, extends to your children and loved ones, who delight in the simple gift of seeing you smile again of knowing your mind isn't someplace else. That you are fully present.'
Back in 2023, the Sussexes also attended a Vancouver Canucks game, and Prince Harry was also on the ice for the ceremonial puck drop before the match.
'I actually had to tell him [to drop the puck] because he keeps holding and smiling,' Sharks captain Tomas Hertl said after the game. 'I'd say 'it's time to drop it' but it's a cool moment. For sure I will remember that one.'
Harry's puck drop moments recreate his grandmother Queen Elizabeth's ceremonial puck drop moment at a Vancouver Canucks game in 2002. The two appear to be the only royals to ever attend Canucks games.
At that 2023 game, the Sussexes were joined by Meghan's close friend, Markus Anderson.
Anderson was by Meghan's side back at the 2017 Invictus Games opening ceremony, when she and Harry made their relationship public.
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