Did Harry make a joke about Trump in a sketch for Late Show?

Prince Harry seemed to make a playful reference to former US President Donald Trump during a sketch on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The Duke of Sussex joined Colbert in a comedic audition for a "Christmas prince" role in a Hallmark-style romantic movie.

In the sketch, Harry appeared behind Colbert and joked about being lost while searching for an audition for the fictitious film "Gingerbread Christmas Prince Saves Christmas in Nebraska." Colbert asked why a real prince would want such a part, prompting Harry to comment on Americans' fascination with holiday movies and royalty.

When Colbert pressed further, Harry quipped, "Really? I hear you elected a king," seemingly nodding to the protests against Trump earlier in the year. The duke also poked fun at a recent CBS settlement with Trump, saying he would "do anything" to land the role, including recording a self-tape, flying to the audition himself, or resolving a baseless lawsuit with the White House. Colbert responded, "Hey, I didn't do any of those things," and Harry added, "Maybe that's why you're cancelled."

The joke subtly referenced the planned conclusion of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in May 2026, after 33 years on air. The sketch then shifted to festive imagery, with Christmas trees and sleigh bells, as Harry encouraged Colbert to "just believe." In the end, Colbert awarded him the title of "official Late Show prince of Christmas," eliciting cheers from the audience.

This marked Harry's second appearance on the Late Show. He first appeared in January 2023 to promote his memoir Spare, a broadcast that set a two-year viewership record. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California in 2020 after stepping back from senior royal duties and pursuing financial independence.

Author: Noah Whitman