Prince Harry personally initiated the idea to appear on a comedy podcast hosted by a former England rugby player during his recent trip to the UK. Behind-the-scenes footage of the episode’s build-up offered unprecedented insight into how the high-profile interview came together and the casual tone the royal took for the special taping.According to a video titled “We invited Prince Harry.” He Actually Turned Up”, the podcast hosts were preparing for a special edition ahead of the upcoming Invictus Games. The duo, rugby player Joe Marler and comedian Jake Bhardwaj, were preparing for the film ‘Joe Marler Will See You Now’, described as their hit comedy show.During the behind-the-scenes footage, Bhardwaj introduced the set-up noting that they were a year away from the Invictus Games and preparing to speak to someone “very special”. A visibly shocked Marler admitted he felt unable to say the guest’s name out loud, calling the situation “a mouthful.”When Bhardwaj joked that the royal visitor “wasn’t Voldemort” and wouldn’t appear out of nowhere, Marler finally announced the guest: “It’s Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. The Duke of my county.”
The royal joked about her hair color and embraced the show’s light-hearted format during the interview. Image Credit (Instagram)
The big reveal about Prince Harry’s involvementAs the two hosts brainstormed interview topics, the tone remained characteristically irreverent. Marler suggested asking provocative questions to the Duke without holding back. It was at this point that Bhardwaj dropped a significant revelation about how the episode came together.“I don’t think we should change anything we do on the podcast, that is, because he’s the one who came up with the idea to come on,” Bhardwaj said, explaining that the Duke had personally asked to be on the show. Marler immediately agreed with the sentiment, stating that they should maintain the usual chaotic nature of the show given that Harry had initiated the appearance himself.
Prince Harry’s participation in the podcast
Once the royal sat down in the studio, the conversation immediately took on a comedic tone. The Duke of Sussex took part in the show’s regular admissions quiz, during which he shocked the hosts by revealing his full formal name – ‘Henry Charles Albert David’ – along with his title and an unexpected nickname – ‘Jakey’.
The Duke combined humor and candid discussion as he supported the upcoming Invictus Games on the comedy podcast. Image Credit (Instagram)
The light-hearted banter continued when Marler asked Prince Harry which people were most often wrong about him. “That I am not ginger,” replied the prince with characteristic humor. When a surprised Marler asked if people were really mistaken, the duke replied, “Yes. People think I’m ginger, but I’m more sunset, like chestnut.”The comment drew laughter from the production team, prompting the Duke to jokingly complain about the experiences of his school years. “I’m going to need therapy after this,” he laughed, demonstrating his willingness to engage in self-deprecating humor throughout the recording.
The serious discussion with JJ Chalmers
The episode also delved into more substantial ground as the Duke teamed up with his close friend and former Invictus competitor JJ Chalmers. The pair spoke about trauma, pain and the role Prince Harry’s children play in keeping him grounded, shifting the tone from comedy to more meaningful conversation.The special episode ended on a delightful note, combining humor with sentimentality through a cultural quiz and a song with a touch of nostalgia. Starting his own podcast confirmed the Duke’s commitment to supporting the Invictus Games and meeting with the public in unconventional spaces other than the traditional royal platform.