Prince Harry made a surprise appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and things got political fast.
The Duke of Sussex crashed Colbert’s monologue at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, delivering scripted jabs at President Trump that left the audience with mixed reactions.
The unexpected cameo happened just hours after news broke that Harry’s father-in-law, Thomas Markle, was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.
But Harry pressed on with the comedy bit, teasing Americans about their fascination with royalty while taking pointed shots at the 79-year-old president.
Royal Roast Meets Political Commentary
Harry burst onto the stage during Colbert’s segment mocking “problematic” Christmas-themed royal movies. His entrance line set the playful tone immediately.
I genuinely thought this was the audition for the Gingerbread Prince saves Christmas in Nebraska.
The prince claimed he wanted to break into acting because of America’s obsession with Christmas movies and royalty. When Colbert pushed back on that assertion, Harry delivered his first Trump reference.
Really? I heard you elected a king.
The line prompted immediate boos and groans from audience members. Colbert defended Harry’s comment, telling the crowd the Duke had “a point.”
Historical References and Modern Tensions
Harry continued his comedic routine by referencing King George III, his ancestor who ruled Great Britain during the American Revolution. The joke connected America’s colonial past with its present political landscape.
And often making such a big deal about my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather George III.
The sketch then pivoted to CBS’s recent $16 million settlement with Trump. Harry listed what he’d supposedly do to land an acting role, including settling “a baseless lawsuit with the White House.”
Behind the Settlement Reference
Trump accused CBS and “60 Minutes” of deceptively editing an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris before the 2024 presidential election. The controversy centered on Harris giving two different answers to a question about Israel in clips aired on different programs.
CBS and parent company Paramount settled with Trump in July. Weeks later, Colbert’s show was canceled, with the host claiming Trump influenced the decision rather than financial considerations.
Harry referenced this directly in his bit.
Maybe that’s why you’re canceled.
Ongoing Feud Between Prince and President
Trump and Harry have maintained a contentious relationship over the past year. The “Spare” author faced potential deportation in February over immigration status concerns.
Questions arose about whether Harry concealed past illegal drug use that should have disqualified him from obtaining a US visa. Despite pressure, Trump decided against deportation.
I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.
Trump made these comments to The Post in February, targeting Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, directly. The president didn’t stop there.
Windsor Snub Adds Fuel to Fire
During his speech at the state banquet at Windsor Castle in September, Trump delivered a thinly veiled dig at Harry. He told King Charles he raised “a remarkable son,” clearly referring to Prince William while omitting any mention of the estranged younger prince.
The omission highlighted the ongoing tension between Trump and Harry, making Wednesday night’s appearance even more loaded with subtext.
Awkward Timing and Ending
Harry’s comedic appearance came at a personally difficult time. News of Thomas Markle’s emergency hospitalization broke just hours before the taping, adding an uncomfortable layer to the proceedings.
Colbert’s monologue concluded with fake snow falling as he and Harry shared what observers described as an awkward embrace. The staged ending seemed to mirror the uncomfortable political waters Harry navigated throughout the bit.
Whether Harry’s appearance will further strain his relationship with Trump remains unclear. What’s certain is that the self-exiled royal isn’t shying away from wading into American political discourse, even through scripted comedy sketches.
The appearance demonstrates Harry’s willingness to engage with controversial topics and political figures, despite his precarious immigration status and ongoing feud with the president. It’s a bold move for someone who technically remains a guest in the country.