diff --git a/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c b/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c
index 02013397c..a30f53bd3 100644
--- a/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c
+++ b/lib/krb5/get_host_realm.c
@@ -189,6 +189,5 @@ krb5_get_host_realm(krb5_context context,
 	(*realms)[1] = NULL;
 	return 0;
     }
-    free(*realms);
     return KRB5_ERR_HOST_REALM_UNKNOWN;
 }