5 Jaw-Dropping Revelations From Prince Harry's Candid Interview With Stephen Colbert

The highly-anticipated interview between Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and late-night host Stephen Colbert remains one of the most talked-about media appearances in recent memory. Occurring on January 10, 2023, the day his bombshell memoir, Spare, was released, the Duke’s extended conversation on The Late Show provided a fascinating blend of serious reflection, comedic relief, and deeply personal revelations that captivated millions of viewers and further fueled the global discussion surrounding the British Royal Family. The unique format, which included a playful segment and a candid chat, allowed Prince Harry to present a side of himself rarely seen in official royal life.

The appearance was a crucial part of the Duke's promotional tour for Spare, a book that detailed his life from childhood grief over his mother, Princess Diana, to his military service, and his eventual decision to step back from royal duties with his wife, Meghan Markle. Stephen Colbert, known for his ability to balance sharp wit with genuine empathy, navigated the sensitive topics with a tone that was both respectful and probing, creating a television event that continues to be analyzed for its impact on the Duke’s public narrative. The fresh, in-depth format provided a platform for Harry to address the controversy head-on.

The Duke of Sussex: A Biographical Profile

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, has lived a life under intense public scrutiny, marked by both royal duty and a quest for personal freedom. His biography is a compelling narrative of a royal finding his own path outside the constraints of the monarchy.

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Key Biographical Details

• Full Name: Henry Charles Albert David
• Title: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
• Born: September 15, 1984
• Parents: King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales
• Spouse: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex (Married 2018)
• Children: Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex
• Line of Succession: Fifth in line to the British throne (as of late 2023/early 2024)
• Military Career: Served in the British Army for 10 years, rising to the rank of Captain. Completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
• Post-Royal Work: Co-founded the Archewell Foundation with Meghan, focusing on humanitarian, mental health, and environmental advocacy.

The Tequila Shots and the Tension: Setting the Stage for Candor

The *Late Show* interview was strategically timed for the release day of Spare, and Colbert immediately set a tone that was both celebratory and slightly irreverent. One of the most viral moments of the night involved the host and the Duke of Sussex taking tequila shots together.

A Toast to the Memoir

The shared tequila—a clear sign that this was not a typical royal interview—helped to break the ice and inject a sense of playful camaraderie into the conversation. This lighthearted moment contrasted sharply with the weighty topics they were about to discuss, including his strained relationships with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, The Prince of Wales.

Colbert’s skill was in creating an environment where Harry felt comfortable enough to open up, which is a key element of the show's success. The interview was an extended conversation, allowing for more nuance than is typical in a promotional spot. The discussion ranged from the intense media scrutiny he has faced to the profound grief he experienced following his mother’s death, a theme central to the narrative of Spare.

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Addressing the "Slow Deteriorating Situation"

At one point, as the interview progressed and the conversation became more serious, Harry made a comment that the situation was "slowly deteriorating," which Colbert playfully picked up on. This brief exchange highlighted the underlying tension of a non-working royal discussing highly sensitive family matters on a global stage. The Duke was navigating the fine line between promoting his book and managing the fallout of his explosive revelations, a task he seemed to approach with a mix of amusement and occasional discomfort.

The Colbert Questionert: Unmasking the Royal

The "Colbert Questionert" is a recurring segment on The Late Show, designed to reveal the true personality of guests through a series of rapid-fire, seemingly random questions. Prince Harry’s participation in this segment—which aired weeks after the main interview—provided some of the most surprising and endearing moments of his time on the show.

Shocking and Sweet Answers

The Questionert forced the Duke to answer questions that no one would ever ask a member of the Royal Family. His answers provided a window into his personal life, his preferences, and his relationship with his wife, Meghan. The segment immediately became a source of LSI keywords and viral clips, demonstrating his willingness to be vulnerable and relatable. Key answers included:

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• Best Sandwich: A simple cheese and ham toastie.
• Favourite Smell: His wife, Meghan Markle. This answer was a fan favourite, dividing some viewers while others praised the romantic sentiment.
• Scariest Animal: A tiger.
• Have You Ever Worn Ripped Underwear? Harry candidly admitted that yes, he has, which was a shocking and relatable answer for a royal.
• One Song to Listen to for the Rest of His Life: "The Best" by Tina Turner.

This playful segment was a masterstroke in public relations, allowing the Duke to show he was capable of self-deprecating humour and wasn't afraid to shed the rigid formality of his former life. It successfully humanized the royal figure who had been relentlessly portrayed in the media as either a victim or a villain.

The Impact of the Interview on the Royal Narrative

The conversation with Stephen Colbert was more than just a book promotion; it was a key moment in Prince Harry's post-royal media strategy. By choosing a U.S. late-night platform, he solidified his position as a celebrity figure in North America, distinct from the institutional structure of the monarchy.

A Shift in Public Perception

Colbert’s approach—combining serious journalistic inquiry with his signature comedic persona—allowed the Duke to discuss the more serious allegations from Spare, such as the perceived lack of support from the Royal Institution and the role of the British tabloid press, while also engaging in lighthearted banter. This balance helped to soften the edge of the book's highly controversial content. The interview painted a picture of a man seeking peace and privacy, yet willing to fight for his truth on a high-profile stage.

The decision to discuss his use of therapy, his military service, and his dedication to mental health advocacy reinforced his public image as a humanitarian and mental health champion, a role he has embraced since stepping away from his senior royal duties.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The interview is a central pillar in the ongoing narrative involving several key entities: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, King Charles III, Prince William, The Prince of Wales, and the wider British Royal Family. The discussion brought to the forefront topical issues like "Megxit," press intrusion, and the emotional toll of royal life. The candid nature of the conversation with Stephen Colbert, a respected media figure and former host of *The Colbert Report*, lent significant weight to Harry's claims, solidifying the interview's place as a definitive moment in the "Spare" press cycle.

Ultimately, the Stephen Colbert interview was a successful attempt to control the narrative. It showcased Prince Harry as a complex individual—a veteran, a husband, a father, and a son—who is determined to live a life on his own terms, even if it means confronting the entrenched traditions of the monarchy. The mix of tequila, tough questions, and ripped boxers ensured the conversation would be remembered long after the initial book buzz faded.