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 United Kingdom. Behind-the-scenes footage from the episode preparation offered unprecedented insight into how the high-profile interview came together and the casual tone the royal adopted for the special recording.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, comprised of rugby player Joe Marler and comedian Jake Bhardwaj, were gearing up to film ‘Joe Marler Will See You Now’, described as their hit comedy show.During the behind-the-scenes footage, Bhardwaj introduced the setup by noting they were one year away from the Invictus Games and preparing to speak with someone “very special”. Marler, visibly stunned, admitted he felt unable to say the guest’s name out loud, calling the situation “bonkers.”When Bhardwaj joked that the royal visitor was “not Voldemort” and would not just 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 his hair colour and embraced the show’s light-hearted format during the interview.Image credit (Instagram)
The bombshell revelation about Prince Harry’s involvementAs the two hosts brainstormed interview topics, the tone remained characteristically irreverent. Marler suggested asking the duke provocative questions without holding back. It was at this moment that Bhardwaj dropped a significant revelation about how the episode came together.“I don’t think we should change anything that we do on the podcast, namely because he’s the one who had the idea to come on,” Bhardwaj stated, explaining that the Duke had personally requested to participate in the show. Marler immediately agreed with the sentiment, indicating they should maintain the show’s usual chaotic nature 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 participated in the show’s customary intake questionnaire, during which he shocked the hosts by revealing his full formal name: “Henry Charles Albert David,” alongside his title and an unexpected nickname: “Jakey.”
The Duke combined humour and heartfelt discussion while supporting the upcoming Invictus Games on the comedy podcast.Image credit (Instagram)
The light-hearted banter continued when Marler asked Prince Harry what people most frequently get wrong about him. “That I’m not ginger,” the prince shot back with characteristic humour. When a surprised Marler questioned whether people actually get that wrong, the duke replied, “Yeah. People think I’m ginger, but I’m more sunset, like auburn.”The remark prompted laughter from the production crew, causing the duke to jokingly complain about experiences from his school years. “I’m going to need therapy after this,” he chuckled, demonstrating his willingness to engage in self-deprecating humour throughout the recording.
The serious discussion with JJ Chalmers
The episode also delved into more substantial ground as the duke was joined by his close friend and former Invictus competitor JJ Chalmers. The pair discussed trauma, grief, and the role Prince Harry’s children play in keeping him grounded, shifting the tone from comedy to more meaningful conversation.The special episode wrapped up on a delightful note, combining humour with sentimentality through a cultural quiz and a singalong with a bit of nostalgia. Beginning his own podcast confirmed the Duke’s commitment to backing the Invictus Games and meeting the audience in unconventional spaces other than the traditional royal platform.
