"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and guest Prince Harry during the Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 show.
"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and guest Prince Harry during the Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 show.

There may be "no kings," but Prince Harry is aiming to be America's prince of Christmas.

The Duke of Sussex made a special appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in a bit about holiday films. Harry, 41, entered to a standing ovation after Colbert explained how impossible it would be to happen upon a prince, as many a Hallmark holiday film has insinuated. But the seemingly confused Harry remarked that he "thought this was the audition for 'The Gingerbread Prince Saves Christmas in Nebraska.'"

When Colbert questions why Harry would want to audition for such a film, the prince said Americans are "obsessed with Christmas movies, and you're clearly obsessed with royalty," given that "I heard you elected a king," referring to President Donald Trump.

Still trying to get an audition for the nonexistent Hallmark movie, Harry said he would do "anything."

"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!" he added. Harry was referring to a controversial $16 million settlement between Trump and CBS parent company Paramount over a defamation lawsuit tied to a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

When Colbert noted he "didn't do any of those things" to get a career in TV, Harry quipped, "Maybe that's why you're canceled." The 2026 cancellation of "The Late Show" has been the topic of much criticism from Hollywood and jokes on Colbert's part.

"I'm sorry, Harry. You seem like a nice enough guy, but real life is not like those TV movies," Colbert countered. "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 set transformed into a winter wonderland behind them, before Harry embraced Colbert, in mock romantic fashion.

"Harry, I know you want this, but I'm afraid to say I was testing you, you've got the role," Colbert announced, labeling the duke the "official 'Late Show' prince of Christmas."

Earlier this year, CBS canceled "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which is set to end in May 2026. The cancellation and $16 million settlement prompted allegations that Paramount caved to political pressure, given its need to get a since-approved merger with Skydance Media authorized by his administration.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prince Harry takes jab at Trump on Colbert – 'I heard you elected a king'

Reporting by Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect