The long-standing tension between Prince Harry and Donald Trump shows no sign of easing. During Harry’s appearance on Stephen Colbert’s late-night show on Wednesday, the Duke took a pointed swipe at the former president — a moment that is unlikely to help their already strained relationship.
After briefly living in Canada following their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan Markle eventually made Montecito, California, their permanent home. Although the couple has settled comfortably in the U.S., Harry has repeatedly stated he has no intention of pursuing American citizenship — a stance that has drawn the ire of Trump, who has publicly threatened to deport him.
In 2023, the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, seeking the release of Harry’s immigration paperwork. Certain U.S. visas required applicants to disclose any history of drug use — a factor that could lead to denial. In his memoir Spare, Harry openly admitted to using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms in the past, even confessing that he once lied about using cocaine as a teen, linking his struggles to the trauma of losing his mother, Princess Diana.
A judge ruled in September last year that his visa records would remain confidential. Still, Trump insisted that if Harry misrepresented his past drug use, deportation should be considered. “If he lied, they’ll have to take appropriate action,” Trump remarked in March 2024.
The former president doubled down the following month, asserting that he would not “protect” Harry if reelected, calling the Duke’s treatment of the Queen “unforgivable.”
While Harry rarely comments directly on Trump, he delivered a surprisingly biting line during his sketch with Colbert. Playing an actor auditioning for a fictional Hallmark-style movie, Harry joked about America’s fascination with royalty. After Colbert denied that the country was obsessed, Harry shot back:
“Really? I heard you elected a king.”
The crowd responded with loud boos — and the jab made headlines immediately.
