Prince Harry has offered a contrite apology to Canadians while visiting Toronto for commemorative Remembrance Day ceremonies.
During an interview at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's veterans facility on Thursday, the Duke of Sussex addressed the controversy surrounding his choice of headwear at last week's World Series match.
The 41-year-old royal faced criticism after sporting a Los Angeles Dodgers cap whilst watching the team face off against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth game of the championship series.
Speaking to CTV News, Harry acknowledged what he termed "hatgate" and expressed regret for his sartorial decision.
Prince Harry tells Canadian fans he is 'very sorry' after recent backlash
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His visit to Canada for remembrance events provided an opportunity to address the backlash directly with Canadian media and the public.
The controversy erupted on October 28 when the prince attended the fourth game at Dodger Stadium alongside his wife, Meghan Markle.
Both wore Dodgers caps in support of Meghan's hometown team, despite the opposition being Canada's sole Major League Baseball franchise.
Canadian fans expressed disappointment that Harry failed to support a team from a Commonwealth realm.
Prince Harry arriving at the True Patriot Love Annual Tribute Dinner in Toronto on November 6
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The criticism carried particular weight given that his father, King Charles III, serves as Canada's head of state alongside thirteen other Commonwealth nations.
The incident sparked debate about royal allegiances, with many Canadians feeling the prince should have demonstrated solidarity with the Toronto team.
The backlash intensified on social media, where supporters questioned why Harry chose to back the American side rather than show support for the Commonwealth connection.
During the CTV News interview, Harry offered his explanation for the controversial choice of hat.
Prince Harry talks with war veterans Ozzie Reece and Ed Marshall as he meets with some of Canada's oldest veterans
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"I was under duress," he joked, before clarifying the circumstances. "There wasn't much choice. I was invited to the LA Dodgers box or the dugout by the owner himself. So, I was doing what I thought was the polite thing to do."
The prince also provided a practical justification for accepting the cap. "When you're missing a lot of hair on top and you're sitting under flood lights, you'll take any hat that's available," he quipped.
Despite wearing the Dodgers cap at that particular match, Harry insisted his support remained with Toronto throughout the remainder of the series. "I was Blue Jays throughout," he affirmed during the interview.
Harry demonstrated his renewed allegiance by donning a Blue Jays cap during the television interview.
The annual event, organised by the True Patriot Love Foundation, honours Canada's military community and raises funds to support active service members, veterans and their families
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"I'm going to wear this from now on to make sure I don't make any more of those mistakes," he declared.
The prince expressed genuine disappointment about Toronto's defeat in the championship. The Dodgers ultimately triumphed in Game 7 with a 5-4 victory, claiming the World Series title.
Acknowledging potential difficulties upon returning to Los Angeles after revealing his true loyalties, Harry concluded the interview with a heartfelt message.
"I'm very sorry to the Canadian public. I'm devastated that the Blue Jays lost, but go Jays," he stated.
His wife had previously shared social media footage showing Harry's apparent distress following the Dodgers' Game 7 victory, suggesting his support genuinely lay with the Canadian team.