In a surprise television appearance, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, took part in a comedy sketch on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert that included a pointed joke aimed at former US President Donald Trump.
A Festive Audition with a Political Edge
The segment, broadcast on Wednesday evening, featured Harry auditioning for a role as a 'Christmas prince' in a fictional Hallmark-style movie. As he wandered the studio, the Duke quipped he was lost while looking for an audition for 'Gingerbread Christmas Prince saves Christmas in Nebraska'.
When host Stephen Colbert questioned why a real prince would want such a part, Harry retorted, "You Americans are obsessed with Christmas movies, and you're clearly obsessed with royalty, so why not?" Pushing back on the idea of an American obsession, Colbert prompted the Duke's most biting line of the night.
The 'King' Remark and Legal Jibe
"Really? I hear you elected a king," Harry responded, in a remark widely interpreted as a nod to the 'No Kings' protests associated with the Trump administration.
The Duke then continued the jest, alluding to CBS's recent legal settlement with Mr. Trump. Eager to land the acting role, Harry declared he would "do anything," including to "settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House - all the things you people in TV do." Colbert's defensive reply, "Hey, I didn't do any of those things," was met with Harry's quick-witted retort: "Maybe that's why you're cancelled."
From Politics to Festive Cheer
The sketch then shifted tone entirely, transforming into a festive spectacle complete with appearing Christmas trees and the sound of sleigh bells. Harry encouraged a bewildered Colbert to "just believe," before the host crowned him the 'official Late Show prince of Christmas' to audience applause.
This marked Harry's second appearance on the popular CBS talk show, following his January 2023 visit to promote his memoir, Spare. That debut set a two-year viewership record for the programme.
The surprise cameo was first hinted at in a promotional video released on Wednesday, which included a soundbite from The Great British Bake Off. The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, also shared a preview clip on her Instagram story. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have made their home in Montecito, California.
