Overview
- SNL UK opened its second season on Sept. 12 with a cold open that staged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arriving at a Balmoral set and asking for help from King Charles.
- Writers used a recurring Netflix-money gag — including a line about a $60 million deal — and spoofed Meghan’s lifestyle projects by having her present a homemade block of ice as a joke gift.
- The cold open included a line that referenced past race concerns tied to the Oprah interview, which was delivered by the actor playing Queen Camilla and drew strong audience reaction.
- Comedian George Fouracres debuted an impression of Prime Minister Andy Burnham in the sketch and the episode was hosted by Jeff Goldblum as SNL UK prepares a split Season 2 run that streams in the U.S. on Peacock the day after U.K. broadcast.
- The sketch spread rapidly across social media and mainstream outlets, renewing scrutiny of the Sussexes’ public role and their finances and likely increasing transatlantic attention on how Britain’s media and politics will treat their return.