Referencing US TV network CBS’ recent settlement with Trump, the duke joked he would “do anything” to get the part, adding: “I’ll record a self-tape, I’ll fly myself to an audition, settle a baseless lawsuit with the White House – all the things you people in TV do.”
Colbert replied: “Hey, I didn’t do any of those things,” to which Harry said: “Maybe that’s why you’re cancelled.”
He was referencing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ending in May 2026 after 33 years on air, in a surprise announcement from CBS in July.
The sketch then featured festive trees and sleigh bells ringing, with the duke telling Colbert to “just believe”.
Colbert later told the prince he would give him the role as “official Late Show prince of Christmas”, to cheers from the crowd.
Colbert’s other guests were Michael Shannon, who is in the newly released film Nuremberg, and Irish actress and singer Jessie Buckley, who co-stars in the forthcoming film Hamnet with Paul Mescal.
This was the prince’s second Late Show appearance. In January 2023 he was there to promote his memoir Spare, and that show set a two-year viewership record, making global headlines.
The Duchess of Sussex shared the announcement of the prince’s latest appearance in a clip on her Instagram story.
The duke and duchess moved to California in 2020 after announcing they would step back as “senior” royals and work to become financially independent.