In a move that blended royal duty with late-night comedy, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, made a surprise appearance that left viewers both amused and taken aback. The Prince delivered a pointed quip about former US President Donald Trump during an unexpected segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
A Royal Audition for a Christmas Prince
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 3, during a pre-recorded comedy sketch. Prince Harry played a fictionalised version of himself, auditioning for a part in a Hallmark-style Christmas movie titled "Gingerbread Christmas Prince saves Christmas in Nebraska." The sketch saw the Duke wandering the studio in a light-hearted search for his audition slot.
When host Stephen Colbert questioned why a prince would want to star in such a film, Harry retorted, "You Americans are obsessed with Christmas movies, and you’re clearly obsessed with royalty, so why not?" Colbert gently pushed back on the idea of an American obsession, setting the stage for the Duke's most controversial line.
The 'King' Remark That Raised Eyebrows
In a moment that could be interpreted as a sharp political commentary, Prince Harry responded to Colbert's pushback by stating, "Really? I hear you elected a king." This remark is widely seen as a reference to Donald Trump and the "No Kings" protests that emerged during his administration. The quip was delivered with a comedic tone but carried significant weight, given the historical context of American democracy rejecting monarchy.
The Duke didn't stop there. He went on to humourously reference CBS's recent legal settlement with the former President, saying he would "do anything" for the movie role, including "settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House." When Colbert protested that he hadn't done such things, Harry shot back, "Maybe that’s why you’re cancelled," adding another layer of meta-humour about television industry controversies.
Christmas Magic and a New Title
The sketch concluded on a festive note, with the set transforming through Christmas magic—complete with trees and sleigh bells—as Harry urged Colbert to "just believe." The host ended the segment by awarding the Duke the fictional title of "official Late Show prince of Christmas."
This appearance marks a continued trend of Prince Harry engaging with American media on his own terms, blending self-deprecating humour with subtle, pointed observations. While presented as comedy, the reference to Trump as a 'king' is likely to spark discussion on both sides of the Atlantic about the intersection of royalty, politics, and popular culture.
