Prince Harry showed off a side of himself royal fans haven’t seen much of lately — and one former rugby star is getting the credit for bringing it back.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, recently let loose during an appearance on Joe Marler Will See You Now, where he joked, laughed, sang and opened up about everything from exercise and family life to grief, trauma and the Invictus Games.
The surprisingly relaxed appearance immediately caught attention, with insiders saying former England rugby star Joe Marler managed to bring out the cheeky, carefree Harry many longtime royal watchers remember from years ago.
One source familiar with the reaction said Marler was being praised for getting Harry “laughing, joking” and showing the kind of irreverent personality that once made him one of the royal family’s most popular members.
Critics of Meghan Markle have long claimed Harry became more serious and guarded after the couple’s relationship came under intense public scrutiny. But another insider cautioned that it would be unfair to blame Meghan for changes in her husband’s personality.
Instead, the source said viewers simply appeared to enjoy seeing Harry relaxed and willing to make fun of himself again.
During the podcast, Harry joined Marler, 36, and comedian Jake Bhardwaj for a wide-ranging conversation that quickly became anything but a traditional royal interview.
At various points, Harry tackled advertising slogans, discussed manscaping and even broke into the theme song from the British children’s show ChuckleVision.
For Marler, Harry’s willingness to play along came as something of a surprise.
The retired rugby star admitted he had been nervous before the interview because of the enormous amount of controversy and strong public opinion surrounding the Duke of Sussex.
“We put some prep in but it crept up on us and I was nervous, thinking about the whole thing and also the polarising public opinion of it,” Marler told NEW magazine.
But those nerves apparently disappeared almost as soon as Harry arrived.
Marler said Harry walked into the room and hugged both hosts.
“Within 90 seconds, it was like talking to a normal person,” he recalled. “So I thought, ‘Let’s just treat him accordingly.’”
That decision appeared to pay off.
Harry not only joined in on the sillier moments, but also spoke candidly about some of the more serious issues in his life.
The father of two discussed “squeezing his kids extra tight” during difficult moments and said exercise — particularly “getting a sweat on” — has become important for both his physical and mental well-being.
Harry also spoke about the Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded for wounded and injured military veterans and service personnel.
Marler said he was impressed by Harry’s willingness to jump between deeply personal subjects and lighthearted banter.
“He was fantastic,” Marler said.
The former rugby star added that Harry was “so open and up for a laugh” while also being willing to discuss grief, trauma and his work with former Royal Marine and Invictus competitor JJ Chalmers.
Marler, who retired from international rugby in November 2024 following a 17-year professional career, said he deliberately tried not to let the controversy surrounding Harry affect the interview.
“I didn’t want that to stop me and Jake from being genuine and in the moment,” he explained.
He also admitted he was shocked by the level of online hostility Harry continues to attract.
“The level of vitriol that comes with him, the social media backlash… what is the matter with some people?” Marler asked.
The podcast appearance comes as Harry continues navigating his complicated relationship with the royal family.
Harry and his family recently reportedly made another move toward reconciliation with King Charles and Queen Camilla, fueling speculation that relations between the Duke and his father may finally be beginning to thaw.
His relationship with older brother Prince William, however, remains far more strained.
For now, Harry’s latest podcast appearance has given royal watchers something very different to talk about — a Duke of Sussex cracking jokes, singing television theme songs and seemingly enjoying himself without the usual royal drama hanging over every word.
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