SNL UK Roasts Prince Harry and Meghan's U.K. Return
· fashion
A Royal Roast: SNL UK Takes Aim at the Sussexes’ Return
The latest episode of Saturday Night Live UK delivered a scathing roast to Prince Harry and Meghan’s highly publicized return to England, with the couple’s welcome being far from warm. The four-minute sketch tackled everything from their Netflix deal to their lifestyle ventures, leaving many wondering what this means for the couple’s reputation within British society.
The Royal Family’s relationships with its members are complex and sensitive, but SNL UK is not afraid to poke fun at Harry and Meghan’s attempts to carve out a new life outside of royal duties. The sketch’s clever writing and spot-on impressions made for an uncomfortable viewing experience – one that many Brits will likely be discussing long after the credits roll.
The Netflix deal, central to the couple’s departure from the UK in 2020, has been contentious from the start. While it seemed like a savvy business move at the time, its renewal or non-renewal has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the Sussexes’ financial situation. The sketch portrays Charles’s skepticism towards their deal – “Don’t tell me you spent all your Netflix money already” – which rings uncomfortably true.
SNL UK also depicts Meghan’s attempts to rebrand herself as a lifestyle guru, courtesy of her various TV projects and As Ever brand. Her efforts to present herself as a domestic goddess, complete with homemade jams and teas, have been met with ridicule. It’s clear this isn’t just the British press having fun at their expense.
The segment also touches on more serious issues, including the Royal Family’s long-running controversies surrounding race. The reference to Harry and Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey – during which they discussed comments allegedly made about Prince Archie’s skin color – is a masterful move by the writers.
As the Sussexes navigate their new life outside of royal duties, it’s clear that their reputation within British society is far from secure. The latest sketch has left many wondering whether their attempts to distance themselves from the Royal Family will ultimately be successful or if they’ll forever be tied to the controversies and criticisms that have dogged them since their departure.
The fact that SNL UK chose to tackle this subject matter so soon after Harry and Meghan’s return is telling. It suggests that, despite their best efforts to move on, the couple remains a hot topic in British culture – one that will continue to be scrutinized and joked about for years to come.
As the family settles into their new life outside of London, it’s worth considering what this means for the future of the Royal Family. Will the Sussexes’ decision to return to England be seen as a victory for those who want them back in the fold – or will it ultimately prove to be a strategic mistake? One thing is certain: we’ll be watching with interest as this drama continues to unfold.
SNL UK’s roast of the Sussexes serves as a reminder that, no matter how hard they try to rebrand themselves, their past controversies and criticisms will always linger – at least in British popular culture.
Reader Views
- NBNina B. · stylist
While SNL UK's roast of Prince Harry and Meghan may have been biting, it's worth noting that their portrayal of the Netflix deal might be misrepresenting the true dynamics at play. The couple's departure from royal duties was likely as much about finding financial stability outside of the monarchy as it was about creative control over their own brand. It's interesting to see the media and public scrutinizing every move they make, but perhaps we should be having a more nuanced conversation about what it means for high-profile individuals to navigate the waters of personal branding in the modern era.
- THTheo H. · menswear writer
The latest SNL UK sketch is a scathing takedown of Prince Harry and Meghan's attempts to rebrand themselves as relatable lifestyle gurus. While the show's writers certainly aren't above taking aim at the couple's Netflix deal and questionable business ventures, they do touch on a more serious issue: the Royal Family's long-running struggles with representation and diversity. One thing that struck me is how little attention has been paid to the real financial implications of the Sussexes' exit – will their newfound entrepreneurial pursuits truly make them financially independent, or are we just seeing another iteration of royal patronage?
- TCThe Closet Desk · editorial
It's worth noting that SNL UK's roast of Harry and Meghan may be more about exposing their own vulnerabilities than making pointed satire. By targeting their Netflix deal and lifestyle ventures, the sketch highlights the couple's calculated attempts to build a brand that's both profitable and palatable to British sensibilities. The real question is whether this mock "branding" will resonate with viewers or merely reinforce perceptions of the Sussexes as tone-deaf, opportunistic royal wannabes.