Prince Harry Breaks His Silence on ‘Hatgate’: Why He Wore the Dodgers Cap, His Public Apology to Canada — and the Self-Deprecating Hair Joke Everyone’s Talking About
Prince Harry has once again found himself in the middle of a royal-sized stir — this time, not over politics or palace drama, but a baseball cap. The Duke of Sussex caused a minor uproar among Canadian fans after he was spotted at Game 4 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays wearing, of all things, a Dodgers hat.
For most spectators, it was a harmless wardrobe choice. But for many Canadians — fiercely proud of their only Major League Baseball team and still holding affection for Harry as part of the royal family — the moment struck a nerve. After all, when the son of King Charles III turns up at a World Series game and cheers for the American team, it’s bound to raise a few eyebrows north of the border.
Days later, during a visit to Toronto for Remembrance Day events, Harry decided to address the so-called “Hatgate” controversy head-on. Speaking to CTV News, he began with a grin and an apology that instantly made headlines: “Firstly, I would like to apologise to Canada for wearing it.”
The Duke went on to explain that his decision to don the Dodgers cap wasn’t exactly a calculated move. “I was under duress,” he said, laughing. “There wasn’t much choice.” Harry described how he had been invited to watch the game from the Dodgers’ owner’s box and felt it would have been impolite to turn down the team gear handed to him.
Then, in classic Prince Harry fashion, he defused the tension with a dose of self-deprecating humour. “When you’re missing a lot of hair on top and sitting under floodlights,” he joked, “you’ll take any hat that’s available.” The quip drew laughs and quickly went viral on social media, turning the moment from mild controversy to internet charm.
To further prove his Canadian loyalty, Harry capped off (pun intended) the interview by putting on a bright Blue Jays hat, declaring, “Game five, game six, game seven — I was Blue Jays throughout. I’m going to wear this from now on, to make sure I don’t make any more of those mistakes.”
The Duke also expressed genuine regret over the Blue Jays’ loss in the series, saying, “I’m very sorry to the Canadian public. I’m devastated that the Blue Jays lost, but go Jays.”
While “Hatgate” was a lighthearted blip compared to the scrutiny Harry often faces, it revealed something telling about how even small gestures from public figures can carry symbolic weight. In a world where royal actions are endlessly analyzed, a baseball cap became an unexpected diplomatic talking point.
Still, Harry’s quick wit and willingness to laugh at himself may have turned a faux pas into a fan-friendly moment. For Canadians — and perhaps even for the Blue Jays — his good-humoured apology might just be enough to call it even.
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