Prince Harry made a surprise appearance on “The Late Show” Wednesday, December 3, 2025, delivering pointed jabs at President Donald Trump during a comedic sketch that caught the studio audience off guard.
The Duke of Sussex interrupted host Stephen Colbert’s opening monologue as the comedian was joking about how Christmas movies give people unrealistic expectations of bumping into royalty during the holidays. Harry walked onto the stage, claiming he thought he was auditioning for a festive Hallmark TV movie.
When Colbert asked why he wanted the role, Harry responded with a critique of American culture. “Well, you Americans are obsessed with Christmas movies and you’re clearly obsessed with royalty, so why not?” Harry said. Colbert pushed back, insisting Americans aren’t obsessed with the monarchy, setting up Harry’s pointed political commentary.
“Really?!? I heard you ‘elected’ a king,” Harry quipped, referring to Trump. The audience gasped before erupting in boos directed at the president, and Colbert acknowledged it was a fair point. The exchange marked one of Harry’s most direct public criticisms of Trump since the president’s return to office.
The Duke of Sussex has previously drawn Trump’s ire multiple times, making the televised jab particularly noteworthy. Harry continued to lean into the comedy sketch, insisting he would do anything to land a Hallmark movie role. The sketch played on the familiar tropes of holiday romance films, which often feature royalty in unlikely romantic scenarios.
Harry escalated his commentary by taking another swipe at Trump and companies that have recently sought favor with the administration. “I’ll record a self-tape, I’ll fly myself to an audition,” he said, before adding he would “settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House — all the things you people on TV do.” The remark referenced the broader trend of media companies reaching settlements with Trump.
Colbert protested that he hadn’t done any of those things, which allowed Harry to deliver another punchline. “Maybe that’s why you’re canceled,” the Duke deadpanned. The joke referenced CBS’ decision earlier this year to end “The Late Show” in May 2026. The network called the cancellation purely a financial decision, stating it was unrelated to Colbert’s content or performance.
However, the cancellation raised eyebrows in media circles because it came shortly after Paramount Global, CBS’ parent company, reached a legal settlement with Trump. Paramount was also seeking White House approval for its merger with Skydance Media at the time, creating speculation about potential political motivations despite the network’s insistence otherwise.
The sketch continued with Harry demonstrating his qualifications for a hypothetical Christmas movie role. He said he could ride a horse and fly a helicopter, even joking he could “ride a horse and a helicopter.” Colbert mentioned that Hollywood success often relies on connections, asking Harry if he knew any famous TV actresses, a reference to his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who starred in the legal drama “Suits” before joining the royal family.
Harry acknowledged he might know one such actress but insisted he would do anything to get the part. Colbert suggested Harry practice helping Americans reconnect with what they love about Christmas, and the stage was suddenly transformed with Christmas trees and falling snow, complete with a snowman appearing on set.
The theatrical production values enhanced the Hallmark movie parody, as Harry asked if Colbert could hear sleigh bells ringing. Colbert quipped it was probably one of those Central Park horses having a seizure, maintaining his characteristic humor throughout the exchange. Harry persisted, asking Colbert to believe in the Christmas magic unfolding before them.
At the sketch’s conclusion, Colbert told Harry he had been testing him all along and declared, “You’ve got the role.” The appearance marked a lighter moment for Harry, who has largely stepped back from traditional royal duties since moving to California with Meghan and their two children. The couple has maintained a complicated relationship with both the British royal family and American political figures, particularly Trump.
The comedy sketch aired as late-night television continues to navigate the political landscape under Trump’s second term. The segment demonstrated how entertainment figures are balancing humor with political commentary, even as media companies face pressure regarding their coverage of the administration. Harry’s willingness to participate in the Trump jokes suggests he remains undeterred by potential backlash from the president or his supporters.
The appearance generated significant attention across multiple media outlets, with coverage spanning international publications. The Duke’s blend of self-deprecating humor and political commentary created a memorable television moment that highlighted ongoing tensions between high-profile figures and the Trump administration.