Prince Harry found himself on an apology tour during a visit to Toronto, forced to address a fashion choice that sparked outrage across Canada. The Duke of Sussex directly confronted what he called the "blue-hatted elephant in the room" during a speech to a military charity on Thursday night.
The Controversial Cap Incident
The controversy began when Harry attended Game 4 of the World Series in Los Angeles, where he appeared wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers cap while watching the game against the Toronto Blue Jays. In Canada, a British Commonwealth nation where his father King Charles III serves as head of state, this was perceived as a major snub.
The prince faced immediate backlash on social media throughout Canada. The incident was seen by many as a test of his allegiance between his birthplace and his adopted home in the United States. Harry and his wife Meghan had stepped down from royal duties in 2020, briefly moving to Canada before settling in California.
Harry's Humorous Explanation and Apology
During his appearance in Toronto, Harry offered both an apology and a humorous explanation for what he referred to as "Hat Gate." "When you're missing a lot of hair on top, and you're sitting under floodlights, you'll take any hat that's available," he joked in an interview with Canadian broadcaster CTV.
The prince explained that he felt "under duress" when offered the Dodgers cap and wore it as a polite gesture. He told the Toronto audience that he believed Canadians - known for their civility - would understand this reasoning. During his CTV interview, he demonstrated his changed allegiance by donning a Blue Jays cap that happened to be within reach.
Toronto Visit and Canadian Connections
Harry was in Canada for two days of events and meetings leading up to Remembrance Day on Tuesday, which honors armed forces members who died in the line of duty. At a dinner for the True Patriot Love Foundation, a charity supporting Canadian service members and veterans, he formally apologized to applause: "I am truly sorry for wearing a Dodgers cap."
The prince emphasized his connections to Canada, noting that his wife Meghan lived in Toronto for years while filming the television series "Suits" before their marriage. "Hopefully you can forgive her as a native Californian for her Dodger's loyalty, even if for just one evening," he said. "But all jokes aside, this city has always meant a great deal to me — you provided me a wife."
Harry insisted that he had been rooting for the Blue Jays for the final three games of the series, though he admitted to CTV that this confession might make his return to California more difficult. The Dodgers ultimately won the series in seven games.
