Meghan Markle recently offered royal fans a glimpse into one of Prince Harry’s lesser-known interests during the couple’s appearance in Canada. Their lighthearted exchange with Scottish bagpipers also opened a window into a royal tradition with deep historical roots.
The couple attended the 40th Anniversary Gala for the David Foster Foundation in Victoria, British Columbia, on Saturday evening. Their appearance marked one of their public date nights together in some time.
As Meghan and Harry arrived, they passed a ceremonial procession of Scottish bagpipers. The musicians wore traditional tartan outfits and distinctive feather bonnets.
Meghan Markle Shares Harry’s Love for Bagpipes
During the event, Meghan spoke warmly about Harry’s connection with the traditional instrument. She made the comment while the couple greeted the musicians.
“My husband loves bagpipes,” Meghan Markle quipped in a video from the event that made its way to social media.
Harry then playfully stepped in to clarify his wife’s comment. He said, “Pipes and drums, just to be clear.”
The brief exchange appeared lighthearted, but Harry’s interest in bagpipes has a much deeper connection to royal history. The instrument has held a special place within the Royal Family for generations.
Queen Victoria Helped Establish the Royal Bagpipe Tradition
The royal connection with bagpipes dates back to Queen Victoria. Her fascination with the instrument reportedly began during a visit to Scotland in 1843.
Victoria heard bagpipes during the trip and developed a strong appreciation for their sound. Her interest eventually helped establish a formal royal appointment for pipers.
The tradition continued through later generations of the Royal Family. During much of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, a daily piper played for the monarch.
That tradition continues under King Charles III. A dedicated piper plays for the sovereign at 9 a.m. each day.
The performance takes place at whichever royal residence the monarch occupies. These locations can include Balmoral, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace.
Bagpipes Hold an Emotional Meaning for Prince Harry
For Harry, however, bagpipes represent more than an old royal custom. The instrument also carries an emotional connection to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Harry discussed the significance of bagpipes in his 2023 memoir, Spare. He described the powerful emotions that the instrument could bring to the surface.
“whether it is joy or sadness, it is as if the pipes will take anything that is going on in one’s soul, blow it up, amplify it to 11, and send it out into the heavens for the gods’ entertainment…
Bagpipes are built to give emotion form and shape… When the bagpipes start playing they tell the listener you are not alone.”
His reflections show why the instrument holds such a personal meaning for him. The sound can evoke both celebration and grief, making it particularly significant within royal ceremonies.
Bagpipes Played at Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral
The connection between Queen Elizabeth II and bagpipes became especially poignant during her state funeral in September 2022.
As her funeral service concluded, bagpipes provided the final musical farewell. Pipe Major Paul Burns played the moving dirge “Sleep, Dearie, Sleep.”
The music accompanied the lowering of the Queen’s coffin into the Royal Vault at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor.
The haunting sound of the bagpipes created an emotional ending to the ceremony. It also reflected the long-standing musical tradition associated with the British monarchy.
For Harry, the moment would have carried an especially personal significance because of his close relationship with his grandmother.
Meghan Markle Makes a Stylish Appearance in Canada
Beyond the couple’s interaction with the musicians, Meghan also attracted attention with her elegant red carpet appearance. For the black-tie gala at the Victoria Conference Centre, she selected an asymmetrical gown from Canadian designer Greta Constantine.
The dress featured a one-shoulder design that has also appeared in royal fashion over the years. Meghan completed the sophisticated look with sapphire and diamond cluster earrings.
The jewelry carried an additional emotional connection to the Royal Family. She wore the earrings associated with Princess Diana, Harry’s late mother. The evening therefore combined several elements of royal history for the couple. Harry’s affection for bagpipes connected him to a long-standing royal tradition, while Meghan’s jewelry offered a subtle link to his family.
Their relaxed exchange with the pipers also showed a more personal side of the couple. What began as a playful comment about Harry’s musical preference ultimately highlighted a tradition filled with history, emotion and family memories.
