Prince Harry apologizes to Canada over ‘Hat Gate.’ Duke sorry for wearing Dodgers cap

Prince Harry found himself navigating diplomatic waters in Toronto last week, where he attended events marking the end of World War I while simultaneously addressing what he jokingly called “Hat Gate” – his decision to wear a Los Angeles Dodgers cap during a World Series game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Duke of Sussex confronted the controversy head-on during a speech to the True Patriot Love Foundation, a military charity supporting Canadian service members and veterans. “I am truly sorry for wearing a Dodgers cap,” he told the audience to appreciative applause, acknowledging what he called “the blue-hatted elephant in the room.”

The cap incident sparked significant backlash across Canada, a Commonwealth nation where Harry’s father, King Charles III, serves as head of state. Many Canadians interpreted his choice of headwear as a slight against their national team, leading to widespread criticism on social media platforms.

In an interview with Canadian broadcaster CTV, Harry attempted to explain the situation with self-deprecating humor. “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 quipped before donning a Blue Jays cap that had been positioned nearby.

Harry further explained that he felt “under duress” at the baseball game and wore the Dodgers cap as a gesture of politeness after being invited by the team’s owner. He suggested that Canadians – known globally for their civility – might understand such a courteous response to a host’s hospitality.

The baseball cap controversy carries deeper symbolism in the context of Harry’s evolving identity since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Initially relocating briefly to Canada, Harry and his wife Meghan ultimately settled in Montecito, California, about an hour west of Los Angeles. For some observers, his hat choice represented a test of allegiance between his birthplace and his adopted American home.

The royal couple’s appearance at Game 4 of the World Series – which the Dodgers eventually won in seven games – also generated controversy among some Los Angeles fans who questioned their prominent seating arrangements. Harry and Meghan were positioned in the first row behind home plate, ahead of Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax and Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson, who holds part ownership in the baseball team.

During his Toronto visit, Harry worked to highlight his connections to Canada, noting that his wife lived in Toronto for years while filming the television show “Suits” – so long that many assumed she was Canadian. “Hopefully you can forgive her as a native Californian for her Dodgers loyalty, even if for just one evening,” he said, before adding, “But all jokes aside, this city has always meant a great deal to me – you provided me a wife.”

Harry’s two-day visit to Canada centered on events and meetings ahead of Remembrance Day, observed on November 11, which honors armed forces members who died in service. The military connection has remained significant for Harry, who served in the British Army for ten years, including two tours in Afghanistan.

In a final attempt to mend fences with his Canadian audience, Harry assured them that he had supported the Blue Jays during the final three games of the World Series – a revelation that, as he jokingly acknowledged to CTV, might make his return to Los Angeles “more difficult.”

The incident highlights the continuing public scrutiny the Duke faces as he navigates his post-royal identity, where even seemingly trivial choices like baseball headwear can take on diplomatic dimensions and require careful damage control.