Prince Harry jokingly compares royal life to ‘Downton Abbey’ at Christmas luncheon

Prince Harry jokes about royal life, family tensions and US traditions during a Christmas speech in California

Prince Harry used a festive appearance in California to offer light-hearted reflections on royal life, family dynamics and adapting to his adopted home.

Speaking at the British-American Business Council’s annual Christmas luncheon in Santa Monica on Friday, he opened with a wry comparison between aristocratic Britain and a familiar period drama.

“People sometimes ask if growing up with the royal family was a bit like Downton Abbey,” he began. “Yeah, but only one of those worlds is filled with drama, intrigue, elaborate dinners [and] marriages to Americans — and the other is a TV show.”

The Duke of Sussex referenced his 2018 marriage to Meghan Markle, with whom he shares two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. His remarks followed reports that he had reconnected with King Charles III during a September visit, despite ongoing tension with Prince William linked to public disclosures and memoir revelations.

Harry also joked about US immigration policy while discussing the 2026 World Cup, noting he looked forward to meeting athletes from abroad provided they get “through customs” and “past ICE.”

He described the luncheon as his “first Christmas party” in “a while,” reflecting on his family’s move to North America after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. “For me, being British isn’t about where you physically stand, but what you stand for,” he said.

His week also included a cameo on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, where he joked about royal-themed Christmas films and US political figures.