Royal's Sporting Faux Pas Sparks Cross-Border Apology
Prince Harry has publicly apologised to Canada for his choice of headwear while attending a World Series baseball game, creating an unexpected diplomatic incident over sporting allegiance. The Duke of Sussex found himself at the centre of attention when photographed wearing Los Angeles Dodgers merchandise during the championship clash against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 'Under Duress' Explanation
In an interview with Canadian broadcaster CTV, the royal explained his controversial fashion choice with both humour and contrition. "Firstly, I would like to apologise to Canada for wearing it," Harry stated during his conversation, which took place while he sported a Toronto Blue Jays cap in a clear peace offering.
The prince revealed he felt wearing the Dodgers cap was "the polite thing to do" after receiving a personal invitation to the team's dugout from the owner. However, he was quick to clarify his true allegiance, insisting "I was under duress. There wasn't much choice."
Baldness and Floodlights: Harry's Humorous Defence
Offering a more lighthearted explanation for his headwear decision, the duke joked about the practical considerations that influenced his choice. "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, demonstrating his characteristic self-deprecating humour.
Harry was keen to emphasise where his true sporting loyalties lay during the tense seven-game series. "Game five, game six, game seven, I was Blue Jays throughout," he asserted, while acknowledging the potential consequences of his admission. "Now that I've admitted that, it's going to be pretty hard for me to return back to Los Angeles."
Canadian Connections and Royal Context
The incident occurred while Prince Harry was in Canada participating in Remembrance Week events. The royal connection to Canada runs deep, with his father King Charles serving as the nation's head of state within the Commonwealth framework.
For Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, the Toronto Blue Jays represent a connection to her former home. The former actress lived in the city for several years while filming her role in the legal drama Suits, appearing in more than 100 episodes of the popular series. The city also holds romantic significance for the couple, who spent time there during the early stages of their relationship.
The royal couple's attendance at the game last Tuesday proved bittersweet, with the Toronto Blue Jays ultimately losing the championship to the Dodgers in a dramatic seventh-game decider on Sunday. Harry expressed genuine disappointment at the outcome, stating he was "devastated" by the Blue Jays' defeat.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan initially settled in Canada before moving to their current home in Montecito, California, where they reside with their children Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.
