Diodati invites Prince Harry to Falls
Mayor Jim Diodati is extending an open invitation for Prince Harry to visit Niagara Falls as part of the Invictus Games taking place in Toronto.
Harry last visited the Honeymoon Capital in 1991 with his late mother Princess Diana and his brother Prince William.
Harry created the Invictus Games two years ago as a sporting event for the wounded or ill service members of the military along with veterans. The first Games were held in London, England, and last year’s took place at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
The Toronto Games run until Saturday.
On Wednesday, Niagara Falls hosted hundreds of Invictus Games athletes, coaches, and their families and friends. The group took a specially chartered train to Niagara Falls for the daylong outing to enjoy many of the city’s attractions.
Diodati was on hand, along with other dignitaries, firefighters and police officers, to meet the group when they arrived at the Via Rail train station on Bridge Street.
Diodati said he initially wondered whether the prince would visit Niagara Falls with the athletes.
“We thought, wouldn’t that be great if we could get him to come down?” he said.
“We’ve got all the athletes, coaches, trainers, families. What a neat thing as they arrived. They were just beside themselves. Most had never been here, they were so excited.”
Diodati said the only thing missing was the prince.
“We said you haven’t been here since you were here with your mom, wouldn’t it be a great opportunity to come down? You’re this close. You’re in Toronto. You’re a 12-minute flight, or a couple hours by vehicle.”
Diodati said he’s pushing for Harry’s visit through social media.
“Harry is a younger guy … and I thought the best way to reach him is not through a written letter to Buckingham Palace, it’s through social media,” he said, adding he has yet to receive a response.
“Nothing yet, but nothing would surprise me. Sometimes things like this, if they happen, they just drop on your lap at the last minute. I’ll sleep with my suit on, just in case,” Diodati said with a laugh.