Prince Harry Mocks Trump on Colbert – 'I heard you chose a monarch'

Although there are no actual monarchs in the United States, Prince Harry seems determined to become Americas own holiday royalty. The Duke of Sussex appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for a segment centered on festive films. Harry, 41, was greeted with a standing ovation after Colbert jokingly highlighted how unlikely it would be to encounter a real prince, as often depicted in holiday movies.

Harry, appearing slightly bewildered, commented, "I thought this was the audition for 'The Gingerbread Prince Saves Christmas in Nebraska.' When Colbert asked why he would audition for such a movie, Harry quipped that Americans are obsessed with Christmas movies, and you're clearly obsessed with royalty, playfully adding, I heard you elected a king, in reference to former President Donald Trump.

Still pursuing the fictional Hallmark role, Harry joked that he would go to great lengths: "I'll record a self-tape, I'll fly myself to an audition, I'll settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House, all the things you people in TV do!" This was a nod to a $16 million settlement between Trump and CBSs parent company Paramount over a defamation case involving a 60 Minutes interview.

Colbert remarked that he had never resorted to such measures to get into television, prompting Harry to quip, Maybe that's why you're canceled. The shows cancellation, planned for May 2026, has been a recurring point of humor on the program.

Colbert continued with a mock-reality check: "I'm sorry, Harry. You seem like a nice enough guy, but real life is not like those TV movies. I don't run a nonprofit bed-and-breakfast/candy cane factory with my three beautiful daughters, Holly, Tinsel and Popcorn String. At least not since the bank foreclosed on it last Christmas Eve, leaving me so cynical that only a chance encounter with a prince could ever redeem my faith in the holidays."

The stage transformed into a winter wonderland for the segment, culminating with Harry embracing Colbert in a humorous, mock-romantic gesture. Colbert then announced, "Harry, I know you want this, but I'm afraid to say I was testing you, you've got the role," officially dubbing him the Late Show prince of Christmas.

The CBS programs upcoming conclusion and the high-profile settlement fueled discussions about political pressure influencing Paramounts decisions, especially regarding its merger with Skydance Media.

Analysis: Prince Harry’s Role in U.S. Holiday Culture and TV Politics

Prince Harry's recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert showcased his playful interaction with American holiday traditions and celebrity culture. While no actual monarchy exists in the U.S., Harry's humorous take on being cast as "America’s prince" illustrates the growing fascination with royalty in American entertainment, particularly during the festive season. Colbert’s jest about the unlikely encounter of a real prince in a holiday film reflects the broader cultural obsession with royalty, even in fictional contexts.

Harry’s remarks about auditioning for a Hallmark-style Christmas movie demonstrate his awareness of the quirky fusion between American entertainment and European royalty. His quip about "electing a king" in reference to Donald Trump subtly hints at the ongoing political dynamics in the country, particularly amidst discussions about Trump’s legal challenges and media influence. However, the exchange also brings attention to the larger role that TV and media play in shaping public perception of royalty and celebrity figures.

On a more comedic note, the mock-audition for a Christmas prince role, coupled with references to TV drama and personal experiences, allows Harry to maintain his relatability with the American audience. The humor surrounding Colbert’s fictional "bed-and-breakfast/candy cane factory" exemplifies the fantasy world that such holiday films create, which contrast sharply with the real-life challenges many Americans face. In this context, Harry’s participation is less about creating a holiday classic and more about embracing the peculiar charm of American holiday entertainment.

Furthermore, the segment inadvertently highlights the intersection of celebrity culture, media politics, and the broader implications of television programming. The mention of CBS’s upcoming show cancellation and the settlement with Paramount reflects the power dynamics within the media industry, with public figures like Harry being both a source of entertainment and a topic of political discourse. This playful interaction on The Late Show ultimately underscores the complexities of modern media, where politics, celebrity, and entertainment intertwine.

Sources:

• Prince Harry takes jab at Trump on Colbert – 'I heard you elected a king'