In a recent episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers, comedic legends Will Ferrell and Harper Steele took to the stage, delivering a sharp and humorous roast aimed squarely at Prince Harry.
The sketch revolved around the controversy surrounding Prince Harry's alleged desire to reclaim his royal title—an issue that has sparked widespread media interest. Ferrell, known for his larger-than-life characters, donned a ginger wig and adopted a comedic English accent to portray Prince Harry. His impersonation was spot-on, capturing the prince's frustrations as a man seemingly caught between two worlds.
The exaggerated portrayal had the audience in stitches, particularly as Ferrell's Harry expressed dismay at being treated like an ordinary person in Hollywood, where his royal lineage failed to grant him the VIP privileges he expected.
Throughout the skit, Ferrell’s Prince Harry bemoaned his lack of access to exclusive parties and even complained about having to wait in line like everyone else. This absurd commentary reflected a popular perception of Harry’s struggle to stay relevant while adjusting to his new life. At the heart of the sketch was the prince’s wish to reclaim his royal title, which he and his wife Meghan Markle voluntarily relinquished when they stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020. What was once lauded as a bold declaration of independence has taken a controversial turn, with reports suggesting that Harry now wants to regain some of the privileges he left behind. Ferrell's over-the-top performance—complete with exaggerated sighs and mock tears—brought the absurdity of these demands to life, turning the situation into a comedic spectacle.
Joining Ferrell in the skit was comedian Harper Steele, who played a deadpan, overly-serious royal historian. Steele’s character served as the voice of reason, giving Harry a much-needed reality check. With a biting wit, Steele reminded Harry of his very public decision to forgo his royal duties, pointing out the irony of wanting the freedom of a private life while still yearning for the privileges of royalty. The contrast between Ferrell's clueless Harry and Steele's sardonic historian created a perfect comedic balance. Seth Meyers, acting as the moderator, skillfully guided the conversation, allowing the duo’s wit to shine as they dove into the absurdities of Harry's imagined grievances. The audience, fully engaged, erupted in laughter and applause throughout the skit.
The satire cut deep, not only poking fun at Prince Harry but also critiquing the broader culture of celebrity and privilege that he now inhabits in the United States. What made the sketch particularly resonant was its relatability—many viewers have followed Harry's journey from being a beloved royal to becoming a controversial public figure. His Netflix documentaries, tell-all memoir Spare, and ongoing struggles with the British press and royal family have kept him in the media spotlight. This sketch captured the tension between Harry’s past as a rebellious royal with a heart of gold and his present as a celebrity navigating a complicated relationship with both the monarchy and the media.
Far from simply roasting Prince Harry, the sketch reflected a growing cultural sentiment: frustration with celebrities who claim victimhood while living lives of immense privilege. Harry’s public complaints—whether in interviews or his memoir—often appear out of touch with the luxuries he continues to enjoy, even without his royal titles. Ferrell and Steele's clever dissection of these contradictions provided viewers with a cathartic release, allowing them to laugh at what some see as Harry’s hypocrisy. Since airing, the sketch has gone viral, with clips circulating widely on social media platforms. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising Ferrell and Steele’s comedic timing and Meyers’ ability to strike a balance between humor and biting social commentary.
The popularity of the sketch is a testament to the public's enduring fascination with the British royal family, particularly Harry and Meghan’s complex relationship with both the monarchy and the media. This segment has been hailed as one of the best royal-themed comedy sketches in recent memory, seamlessly blending satire, cultural critique, and sharp comedic talent into a performance that resonated with audiences around the world. It has set a new standard for future comedy sketches about the royals and may well be remembered as a classic in late-night television.
