Prince Harry surprised viewers with an unexpected appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, drawing a mix of laughter, gasps, and even a few boos as he took aim at former U.S. President Donald Trump and poked fun at America’s fascination with royalty.
The Duke of Sussex walked onstage during Colbert’s monologue to loud cheers. Colbert had been joking about running into a prince at work and parodying overly sentimental Christmas movies. Harry joined the bit, saying he wanted a role in such films because Americans are “obsessed” with Christmas stories and with royalty.
Colbert pushed back, insisting Americans were not obsessed with monarchy. Harry quickly fired back: “Really? I heard you elected a king.”
The jab—which referenced Trump’s past claim about being “a king”—prompted a mix of gasps and scattered boos from the audience until Colbert stepped in to defend the joke.
The moment comes months after Trump referred to himself as a king in a Truth Social post about New York City’s congestion pricing, sparking nationwide “No Kings” protests.
Harry continued the comedic run, saying he would do whatever it took to land a Hallmark-style Christmas role.
“I’ll record a self-tape, I’ll fly myself to an audition, settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House. All the things you people on TV do,” he joked.
Colbert responded that he had never done any of those things — prompting Harry to quip: “Maybe that’s why you’re canceled.”
The remark referenced CBS’ $16 million settlement with Trump, which Colbert harshly criticised before his show was eventually cancelled. CBS has consistently said the cancellation was for financial reasons.
The White House was contacted for comment and has yet to respond.
