Prince Harry delivered a surprise comedic performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, marking one of the most entertaining royal television appearances since Queen Elizabeth II’s memorable James Bond parachute stunt at the 2012 London Olympics.
The Duke of Sussex appeared in a Christmas-themed sketch that playfully mocked Hallmark’s royal holiday films—titles like A Royal Icing Christmas, A Christmas Castle Proposal, and The Crown Prince of Christmas. Colbert joked that these movies create “unrealistic expectations that during the holiday season you’re just going to bump into a prince at your job”—at which point Harry walked onto the stage.
Colbert greeted him formally as “Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales-Sussex,” and Harry explained he was auditioning for The Gingerbread Prince Saves Christmas in Nebraska. When asked about his qualifications beyond actually being a prince, Harry listed riding horses, flying helicopters, and even flying horses in helicopters (unverified). Colbert remained unimpressed, saying success in Hollywood is “all about who you know” before asking if Harry had connections to any famous TV actresses. Harry responded with a knowing smile: “I mean, I might know one.”
The scripted banter took some pointed turns. Harry teased Americans for their obsession with royalty, noting they’d even “elected” a King—a clear reference to President Donald Trump and the recent “No Kings” protests. He also mentioned their fascination with his ancestor “great great great great great great grandfather George III,” the monarch during the American Revolution. Colbert shot back: “Well, he was kind of a jerk.”
Harry then took another swipe at Trump, saying he’d do anything for the role, including “settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House, all the things you people in TV do”—referencing CBS parent company Paramount Global’s $16 million settlement with the president over a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. When Colbert clarified he wasn’t involved in that decision, Harry quipped, “Maybe that’s why you’re cancelled.”
The conversation turned to Christmas traditions, though “putting on jumpers” and “pulling crackers” didn’t quite translate across the Atlantic.
Despite the cultural disconnect, Colbert crowned Harry “The Official Late Show Prince of Christmas,” and the Duke signed off with a cheerful “Happy Christmas, y’all.”
This marks Harry’s second appearance on the show, following his 2023 interview promoting his memoir Spare.
Photos credits: (Scott Kowalchyk/CBS News via Getty Images)