Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced sharp comedic jabs on "Saturday Night Live UK" upon their recent return to the United Kingdom. The sketch show targeted the couple's lucrative Netflix deal, their relationship with the royal family, and Markle's lifestyle brand.
The skit depicted King Charles III and Queen Camilla enjoying a quiet weekend at Balmoral, which was interrupted by the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In the parody, Markle's character presented an ice tray as a gift to Queen Camilla, quipping about her own cooking skills and the assistance of hired staff.
The fictional King Charles then questioned the couple's motives for returning to the U.K., joking about their spending from the Netflix deal. The Prince Harry character responded by questioning the expected longevity of the $60 million contract.
This comedic roast comes as Buckingham Palace has reiterated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not resume official royal duties. A statement confirmed their status remains unchanged from when they stepped back as working royals in 2020, emphasizing that their position is now akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
The couple, along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, relocated to the U.K. in late August and are reportedly settling into a private residence outside London. Their children are expected to begin attending British schools in September.
Buckingham Palace's official stance, communicated through a letter from the Lord Chamberlain, clarified that the styles of His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used. The palace also noted that the couple's charitable work is a personal endeavor undertaken in their private capacity.