Prince Harry’s recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon left many observers puzzled.
According to Neil Shawn, Harry's appearance was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. In fact, it was part of a carefully planned strategy with one main objective: publicity. But this wasn’t just any publicity—it was aimed at promoting the upcoming paperback release of his memoir, Spare. The once-respected royal is now promoting his book by screaming and swearing in a haunted house, all in the name of remaining relevant in the media landscape. With Fallon’s show experiencing steadily declining ratings, this collaboration was a desperate attempt to capture attention, albeit with an odd and eccentric twist.
The Tonight Show, which once thrived as one of America's top late-night programs, has seen its ratings wane. Fallon, who used to reign as a beloved comedic host, has been struggling to stay afloat in the competitive late-night television scene. Hosting a former royal like Harry, who has been on an intense PR blitz for months, seemed like the perfect way to generate some much-needed buzz. Harry's choice to appear on the show wasn't entirely out of the blue—he has been jumping from one media platform to another, attempting to reshape his image and connect with younger audiences.
Previously, Harry’s book tour had taken him to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which, unfortunately, didn’t yield the success his team had hoped for. Colbert’s network, CBS, is also dealing with financial difficulties, and after paying a hefty sum for Harry’s initial appearance, they were hesitant to bring him back. This paved the way for Jimmy Fallon, whose show found the budget to host Harry. Rumors suggest that Prince Harry was paid an enormous sum of money to appear and participate in Fallon's haunted house ride. What appeared to be a light-hearted Halloween sketch was, in reality, a carefully crafted PR move with a significant payday attached.
A source from the production team disclosed that the entire sketch was meticulously planned to present Harry in a fun, relatable light—a stark contrast to the heavy criticism he’s been facing in recent times. The goal was to portray him as a more down-to-earth figure, engaging with younger viewers while promoting his memoir. However, the success of this tactic is up for debate. Many viewers, particularly those in the UK, were left disappointed. Harry’s profanity-laden performance raised more eyebrows than applause, with critics noting that it seemed like a desperate attempt to connect with the Gen Z crowd.
Despite his efforts, Harry's attempts to appear youthful and relatable seemed forced. At 40, he's no longer the young prince the public once knew, and his antics felt out of touch, like someone trying too hard to fit in with a younger generation that has already moved on. The whole appearance felt awkward, with Harry’s exaggerated performance coming off more cringe-worthy than endearing.
The timing of this appearance is also interesting. Recently, Harry has been spending a lot of time in New York, attending various events and delivering paid speeches. Behind the scenes, his engagements include luxurious accommodations, first-class flights, and all expenses covered. While warning the world about the dangers of social media, Harry continues to profit from the very platforms he criticizes, using them to amplify his message without bearing any costs himself.
This brings us back to the Tonight Show debacle. Was Harry's haunted house appearance a success? From a promotional standpoint, it certainly got people talking. But from a reputational perspective, it was another misstep. Many viewers were put off by his casual swearing and exaggerated behavior. The final edit even had to tone down the number of expletives that came from Harry’s mouth. His efforts to connect with younger audiences came across as over-the-top and inauthentic, leaving the impression of a royal figure clinging to the limelight in a way that felt more pitiful than entertaining.
