Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Canada for a Special Cause

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to Canada on Friday, August 7, to attend the David Foster Foundation’s 40th-anniversary celebration in Victoria, British Columbia.

Meghan wore a floor-length strapless navy gown by Canadian label Greta Constantine, founded by designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, paired with sapphire-and-diamond earrings from Princess Diana’s collection, while Harry opted for a traditional black tuxedo. The gala marked the first night of a two-day anniversary celebration.

Photo: The David Foster Foundation via Getty Images

The David Foster Foundation, founded in 1986, provides financial support to Canadian families whose children are undergoing life-saving organ transplants. The organisation focuses on essential costs that can sit outside medical care, helping families manage expenses associated with the transplant journey.

Its origins are particularly personal. Foster was inspired to establish the Foundation after visiting a young girl from his hometown of Victoria who was receiving a liver transplant in Los Angeles. Her wish was simply to see her sister, but the family could not afford the cost of bringing her to California. The experience made Foster aware of the financial pressures families could face even when medical treatment itself was covered.

Photo: The David Foster Foundation via Getty Images

Four decades later, the Foundation chose to mark its anniversary by returning to Victoria. The weekend includes a private Friday gala and a free public concert at the city’s Inner Harbour on Saturday, August 8. The concert features Foster alongside artists including Josh Groban, Katharine McPhee, CeeLo Green, The Tenors, Pia Toscano, Daniel Emmet and Loren Allred.

For Meghan and Harry, Canada is also a place with an unusually significant chapter in their story. Meghan’s years filming Suits in Toronto connected her to the country before her relationship with Harry became public. The couple made their first official public appearance together at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. They returned to British Columbia for the 2025 Invictus Games.

Photo: The David Foster Foundation via Getty Images

Their friendship with Foster adds another layer to the visit. Foster has been close to the couple since 2019, when he helped them find a private retreat on Vancouver Island. His wife, Katharine McPhee, also has a personal connection to Meghan, having attended school with her.

The anniversary celebration continues on Saturday, August 8, with a free public concert at Victoria’s Inner Harbour featuring Foster and several guest performers.