Summary
Highlights
Stephen Colbert welcomes Prince Harry to The Late Show, introducing him as a husband, father, military veteran, activist, and the Duke of Sussex. They discuss the various names Harry is called, including his birth name Henry, Harold by family, H by friends, and Haz by his wife, Meghan.
Harry discusses the 'sensational leaks' surrounding his memoir, 'Spare,' and the nerve-wracking experience of publicly representing such an intimate book. He emphasizes the importance of context, stating that the British press intentionally stripped away context from his story to create headlines, causing him pain and distress. He highlights the accusation of boasting about killing people in Afghanistan as a dangerous lie, which was intended to undermine him and those he loves.
Harry explains that his military service 'saved him,' providing refuge and purpose. He reveals that the British press's attacks on his military record are particularly hurtful because it's a deeply meaningful aspect of his life. His goal in sharing details about his service is to reduce the number of veteran suicides by encouraging honesty and shared experiences.
Harry reflects on the public's fascination with the royal family, noting that Princess Diana's popularity elevated it further. He explains that his and Meghan's departure from the UK in 2020 was a forced move due to the relentless scrutiny and the realization that their existence outside institutional control was perceived as a threat. He acknowledges his naiveté regarding the bigotry and harassment his wife faced from the British press.
Harry sheds light on the 'Heir and Spare' dynamic within the royal family, a concept he grew to understand the meaning of. He discusses the emotional impact of this designation, how he initially fell into the trap of playing the 'spare' during his teenage years, and how he eventually found his own purpose.
Harry addresses public perceptions of his relationship with his brother, William, after their mother's death. He explains that their public image of unity was often a 'brave face,' and the fracture in their relationship has significantly affected his wife. He describes a physical altercation with William and reveals that the broken necklace during the fight was a gift from his children and wife. He believes his mother's presence would have prevented the current rift, stating that the distance between him and William would not be the same had she been alive. He feels his mother's presence more strongly in recent years, particularly feeling her 'moving to him' after his brother felt her presence for a long time.
Harry discusses his struggle to accept his mother's death, admitting he spent many years believing she was 'hiding' and would eventually return to 'get William and I out of there.' He connects this to his own decision to leave a 'toxic situation.' He emphasizes the power of sharing personal experiences to realize one is not alone in their grief. He expresses that writing the book has made him feel the most vulnerable he's ever been, but also the strongest.
In a lighter moment, Harry explains the anecdote from his book about suffering 'frostnip' on a delicate part of his anatomy during a trip to the North Pole. He clarifies that while it was a cold experience, the severity was misunderstood without context, and that he later used a 'cushion' for protection during a subsequent South Pole expedition.
Harry shares fond memories of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting her 'sharp wit' and 'sense of humor.' He expresses gratitude that she completed her life and was buried with her husband with 'less suffering.' He shows a photo of his children, Lilibet and Archie, acknowledging resemblances to his mother and grandparents. He also briefly discusses watching 'The Crown' and finding himself fact-checking it.