The Duke of Sussex made an unexpected cameo on The Late Show with host Stephen Colbert, where he used the moment to poke fun at President Trump. The episode aired Wednesday night in the US and quickly turned controversial, especially since it coincided with reports that Meghan Markle’s father is currently “fighting for his life” in intensive care.
Harry Interrupts a Monologue With a Cringe-Inducing Gag
Colbert opened his monologue by riffing on the popularity of royal-themed Christmas movies.
“I think they are a little problematic because they give people the unrealistic expectation that during the holiday season, they are going to bump into some prince at their job,” he joked.
Harry then stepped out from behind the set, pretending he was there to audition for a Hallmark-style Christmas prince role.
“You Americans are obsessed with Christmas movies, and you’re clearly obsessed with royalty, so why not?” he said.
Colbert pushed back: “Hold on, I wouldn’t say we’re obsessed with royalty.”
“Really? I heard you elected a king,” Harry quipped — prompting the audience to burst into boos mixed with awkward laughter.
“Fair point. No, he’s got a point,” Colbert told the crowd.
More Awkward Jokes — Including a Swipe at Trump’s Lawsuit
The bit continued with additional cringe-leaning jokes, including Harry taking a jab at CBS for “settling a baseless lawsuit” with Trump. In July, the network agreed to pay the former president $16 million over claims that a 60 Minutes interview was edited to favour Kamala Harris.
“I’ll do anything [to be in a Christmas movie]… I’ll fly myself to an audition, I’ll settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House, all the things you people on TV do,” Harry joked.
Harry also riffed on his ancestry, jokingly telling Colbert to “let it go” when the host called his sixth great-grandfather, King George III, “a jerk” for his role during the American Revolution.
He wrapped up the seven-minute appearance with: “Happy Christmas, y’all!”
Social Media Erupts Over the Timing
Harry’s cameo triggered a strong reaction online, with many criticizing him for appearing in a comedy skit at the same time Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, is in critical condition following emergency surgery in the Philippines.