Prince Harry’s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has drawn widespread attention after he made a light-hearted comment referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Duke of Sussex, who has lived in California since 2020, joined the program as part of a promotional segment in which he participated in a comedic sketch alongside the host. While the exchange was designed for entertainment, one remark in particular prompted public discussion across social media and in online publications.
Prince Harry’s Life in the United States
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, relocated to the United States following their decision to step back from their roles as senior working members of the British Royal Family in 2020. The couple later purchased a residence in Montecito, California, where they continue to focus on their family life and professional projects, including work with Archewell, their media and philanthropic organization.
In previous interviews, including his discussion with Stephen Colbert in early 2023, Prince Harry stated that he does not currently plan to pursue U.S. citizenship. This personal decision has been referenced in multiple verified news reports.
Background on the Public Discussions Around Prince Harry’s Visa Status
In 2023, The Heritage Foundation, a U.S. think tank, filed a lawsuit seeking access to Prince Harry’s immigration records. The organization argued that public interest justified disclosure, referencing information Prince Harry shared in his memoir Spare about past drug use during his young adulthood. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declined to release the records, and in September 2023 a federal judge ruled that Prince Harry’s visa application would remain private, consistent with U.S. privacy and immigration laws. This court decision has been widely reported by CNN, Reuters, BBC News, and other major outlets.
Former President Donald Trump has commented publicly on the subject, stating in multiple interviews—published by outlets such as Fox News and The Express—that immigration authorities should assess whether information disclosed in the memoir is consistent with past visa documentation. These remarks were opinions, not official policy actions. No U.S. agency has stated that the Duke faces any change to his immigration status, and no official proceedings concerning his visa have been announced.
Prince Harry’s Appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
During his recent appearance on The Late Show, Prince Harry joined Stephen Colbert for a light-hearted sketch. The comedic bit centered on a fictional audition in which Harry played a humorous version of himself in a holiday-themed scene. The segment included playful references to American interest in both the British Royal Family and the broader cultural conversation around public figures.
Within the sketch, Colbert jokingly suggested that Americans are not overly focused on royalty. Harry responded with a playful line: “Really? I heard you elected a king.” The remark led to laughter and reactions from the studio audience. It was framed as a joke within a scripted comedy segment and not as a political statement.
This type of humor is common on late-night television, where public figures often participate in sketches designed for entertainment. The exchange has since circulated widely online, generating discussion about the intersection of comedy, public life, and politics.
Public Context: Previous Remarks From Donald Trump
Donald Trump has made several public comments about Prince Harry in interviews over the past two years. In March 2024, during the U.S. election cycle, Trump stated in an interview—reported by multiple news outlets—that he believed immigration authorities should review information disclosed in Prince Harry’s memoir. Trump also expressed personal views about the Duke’s relationship with the Royal Family. These remarks were opinions and not official government actions.
No U.S. authority has issued any statement suggesting that Prince Harry’s residency in the United States is under review. Government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, have maintained that individual immigration records are confidential.
Entertainment Versus Public Policy
Prince Harry’s joke on The Late Show illustrates how humor involving public figures can quickly attract global attention, especially when it intersects with politics. However, it is important to distinguish entertainment segments from factual policy discussions.
Late-night television frequently uses satire, parody, and exaggeration to comment on political and cultural topics. Prince Harry’s participation in a comedic sketch does not represent a policy position, and his remark was delivered in a humorous context rather than as a direct critique.Prince Harry’s Broader Media Engagement
Prince Harry has participated in multiple interviews, documentaries, and public events in recent years. His memoir Spare, published in January 2023, offered his personal reflections on his life within the Royal Family, his military service, his marriage, and his move to the United States. Statements made in the memoir are part of the public record and have been widely analyzed by credible news organizations.
His media appearances, including on platforms like The Late Show, often mix personal insight with light-hearted conversation. This blend of seriousness and humor is typical of the late-night format.
Online Reactions and Public Discussion
Following the episode, clips circulated on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. The online conversation reflects a range of reactions, from viewers who found the joke humorous to those who interpreted it within broader political discussions. This diversity of responses is common when public figures reference political topics, even indirectly.
Major U.S. news outlets have covered the segment primarily for its entertainment value, emphasizing that the exchange took place in a comedic setting. Coverage has also highlighted earlier public comments made by Donald Trump, as well as Prince Harry’s previous discussions about life in the United States.
The Duke of Sussex: Continued Public Interest
Prince Harry remains a global public figure, and his media appearances often draw significant attention. Whether discussing his philanthropic projects, participating in public conversations about mental well-being, or engaging in comedy sketches, he continues to be a prominent voice in both the U.S. and the U.K.
While humor involving political themes may spark temporary debate, verified reports confirm that Prince Harry has not commented publicly on U.S. policy matters and has not announced any change to his personal or immigration plans.