Prince Harry’s talk show Trump joke sparks boos
Prince Harry drew boos and a wave of criticism after cracking an “embarrassing” joke about President Donald Trump — along with several other awkward moments — during a surprise appearance on a US late-night talk show.
The Duke of Sussex made an unexpected cameo on The Late Show with host Stephen Colbert, where he used the moment to poke fun at President Trump. The episode aired Wednesday night in the US and quickly turned controversial, especially since it coincided with reports that Meghan Markle’s father is currently “fighting for his life” in intensive care.
Harry Interrupts a Monologue With a Cringe-Inducing Gag
Colbert opened his monologue by riffing on the popularity of royal-themed Christmas movies.
“I think they are a little problematic because they give people the unrealistic expectation that during the holiday season, they are going to bump into some prince at their job,” he joked.
Harry then stepped out from behind the set, pretending he was there to audition for a Hallmark-style Christmas prince role.
“You Americans are obsessed with Christmas movies, and you’re clearly obsessed with royalty, so why not?” he said.
Colbert pushed back: “Hold on, I wouldn’t say we’re obsessed with royalty.”
“Really? I heard you elected a king,” Harry quipped — prompting the audience to burst into boos mixed with awkward laughter.
“Fair point. No, he’s got a point,” Colbert told the crowd.
More Awkward Jokes — Including a Swipe at Trump’s Lawsuit
The bit continued with additional cringe-leaning jokes, including Harry taking a jab at CBS for “settling a baseless lawsuit” with Trump. In July, the network agreed to pay the former president $16 million over claims that a 60 Minutes interview was edited to favour Kamala Harris.
“I’ll do anything [to be in a Christmas movie]… I’ll fly myself to an audition, I’ll settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House, all the things you people on TV do,” Harry joked.
Harry also riffed on his ancestry, jokingly telling Colbert to “let it go” when the host called his sixth great-grandfather, King George III, “a jerk” for his role during the American Revolution.
He wrapped up the seven-minute appearance with: “Happy Christmas, y’all!”
Social Media Erupts Over the Timing
Harry’s cameo triggered a strong reaction online, with many criticizing him for appearing in a comedy skit at the same time Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, is in critical condition following emergency surgery in the Philippines.
“Shameful timing. On the night his father-in-law is fighting for his life in ICU, Prince Harry cracks un-funny jokes about President Trump on Colbert show,” one critic wrote on X.
“So Harry thinks it’s normal to do a comedy skit whilst his father-in-law lies in intensive care, in imminent danger, awaiting surgery? Shameful, embarrassing behaviour,” another added.
“This is unbelievable. Thomas Markle is right now fighting for his life in hospital – things are genuinely very bad. And Meghan Markle has just posted this on her Instagram. Harry continues to degrade the British Royal Family by the day. Truly grim,” journalist Dan Wootton wrote.
“The United States does not need nor want a British prince to comment on our political situation. Harry needs to keep his opinions to himself,” a fourth user said.
Some Viewers Loved It
Despite the outcry, other viewers praised Harry for his humour, stage presence, and willingness to poke fun at himself.
“Tonight Harry is showing us that he not only married an actress, he too can act, and he is a good actor and comedian. His timing is so good! And I cannot stop laughing. Meghan girl, your husband is everything,” one fan wrote.
“Only Prince Harry could pull this off. Handsome, witty, charming, humble. And here I thought I couldn’t possibly love him any more,” another gushed.
“The real Prince Harry auditions to play a Hallmark Movie Christmas prince in a surprise appearance on The Late Show. Just when we couldn’t love him anymore! This is brilliant,” a third added.
