Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no strangers to controversy—and once again, they’ve found themselves in the crosshairs of comedy. On the latest episode of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were savagely mocked during the satirical show’s “Weekend Update” segment, hosted by Colin Jost. The sharp punchline? A fictional UK-US trade deal in which the UK offers to send British markets to America on one condition: “All that Britain demands in return is that we keep these two,” quipped Jost, as an image of the smiling royal couple flashed across the screen.
The jab instantly lit up social media and stirred debate across both sides of the Atlantic. Was it just a clever bit of satire, or yet another example of relentless public ridicule faced by the couple since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020? One thing’s for sure—when Harry and Meghan are involved, the world is watching, laughing, and, in some cases, cringing.
This article takes a closer look at the SNL joke that has the internet talking, why it struck a nerve, and what it says about Harry and Meghan’s ongoing place in the pop culture spotlight.
The Joke That Sparked It All
SNL’s “Weekend Update” Segment
It all happened during one of SNL’s most famous segments, “Weekend Update,” known for its unapologetic take on politics, pop culture, and current events. Colin Jost, a seasoned comedian and writer, delivered the joke with his usual deadpan expression. The context? A setup about a fictional new trade deal between the UK and US. The punchline delivered a cheeky uppercut: “President Trump also announced a new trade deal with the UK that will reopen British markets for American companies. All that Britain demands in return is that we keep these two.”
The audience erupted into laughter, a clear sign that the joke hit its mark with the live crowd. But for fans of the royal couple, the gag felt like yet another low blow aimed at two people who’ve already faced intense public scrutiny for their life choices.
Visual Punchline
The verbal jab was followed by a visual gut-punch. As the joke landed, producers displayed a photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle looking picture-perfect, perhaps from one of their recent outings. This comedic device—the use of a real image to reinforce satire—amplified the humor but also made the couple the unmistakable target.
The joke was twofold: not only did it suggest that the UK wants to rid itself of the Sussexes, but it also implied the US is now “stuck” with them, poking fun at their relocation to California and ongoing public appearances. The humor lies in its absurdity, but for critics, it underscores the persistent ridicule that continues to follow the couple even five years after their royal exit.
The UK-US Trade Deal Context
To be clear—there is no trade deal between the UK and US involving the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The joke was purely fictional and designed for comedic effect, drawing on current global politics to frame a jab at two of the most talked-about public figures in the world.
But like most good satire, it worked because it played on something real. The idea that Harry and Meghan, once royalty, are now American celebrities is not just comedic fodder—it’s cultural commentary. They’ve become a symbol of the modern celebrity machine: global, controversial, and seemingly ever-present in the media.
By wrapping the joke in the guise of a political announcement, Jost and the SNL writers underscored how entangled Harry and Meghan’s lives have become with international discourse, both serious and silly.
Public and Media Reaction
Viewer Feedback
The joke quickly went viral online, with reactions pouring in from all corners. Many viewers applauded the sketch for its wit and fearless tone. “SNL nailed it again,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). Others, particularly fans of Harry and Meghan, found it harsh and unnecessary. “Enough already. Let them live,” read one sympathetic post.
This kind of polarized reaction is par for the course when it comes to anything involving the Sussexes. Whether it’s a Netflix documentary, an Oprah interview, or a late-night punchline, the couple has become a lightning rod for public opinion.
British and American Media Responses
In the UK, tabloids were quick to highlight the skit, with headlines calling it a “brutal roast” and a “cold dig” at the couple. In contrast, some US outlets took a lighter tone, emphasizing the joke’s clever setup and comedic merit rather than its perceived cruelty.
Either way, the sketch made waves, showing that Harry and Meghan are still a hot topic—ripe for both reverence and ridicule.
Harry and Meghan’s Recent Public Appearance
Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” Tour
Just days before their SNL roast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted enjoying a date night at Beyoncé’s highly anticipated “Cowboy Carter” tour stop in Los Angeles. The couple was seen in high spirits, laughing and engaging with fans, clearly soaking in the atmosphere. Meghan, ever the media-savvy royal-turned-celebrity, even took to social media to share snippets of the night. Among them was a sweet video clip of Harry kissing her on the cheek, the kind of candid moment that continues to endear them to their loyal fanbase.
The event was more than just a concert—it was a carefully curated public appearance. With the glare of SNL’s satire yet to land, this glimpse of joy served as a reminder that, despite the scrutiny, Harry and Meghan are forging a new kind of public life, centered on moments they control. Their appearance at the show didn’t just make fashion waves; it also served to reinforce their cultural relevance outside the confines of the monarchy.
The Cowboy Hat Detail
One of the most touching elements from the couple’s night out was Prince Harry’s cowboy hat. It wasn’t just any Stetson—it was customized with subtle tributes to their children, Archie and Lilibet. According to reports, the hat featured embroidered initials and symbolic motifs that held sentimental meaning, suggesting the prince’s evolving American identity and his commitment to family.
Fans were quick to spot and celebrate the details, viewing it as an emblem of the couple’s continued push to blend royal tradition with personal expression. In a world where image is everything, such small but powerful choices allow Harry and Meghan to subtly push back against the narrative often imposed on them by critics and the press.
SNL’s History with Royal Parody
Past Royal Jokes
SNL has never shied away from poking fun at the British royal family. From sketches lampooning King Charles to exaggerated impressions of Queen Elizabeth, the show has a long-standing tradition of turning real-life monarchy drama into prime-time laughs. The addition of Meghan and Harry to that roster was only a matter of time.
In 2021, SNL mocked their Oprah interview, drawing both praise and backlash. Now, in 2025, their satirical presence continues to be fair game. The show treats royals not as untouchable figures but as characters ripe for parody—especially when they’ve transitioned into the Hollywood spotlight.
What makes Harry and Meghan particularly easy targets is their complicated identity. Are they royals? Are they celebrities? Are they private citizens or global influencers? The ambiguity is comedy gold—and SNL capitalizes on it.
Cultural Commentary Through Satire
The real genius behind SNL’s approach lies in its ability to reflect cultural sentiment through humor. Whether it’s taking a jab at political figures or Hollywood stars, the show doesn’t just make jokes—it makes statements. By mocking Harry and Meghan as part of a “trade deal,” SNL isn’t just being funny. It’s subtly pointing out how the couple has become part of the American celebrity economy—a sort of export-import case study between the UK and the US.
In this way, the joke is not just about them—it’s about us. About the way we consume fame, royalty, and gossip. SNL doesn’t necessarily take a side; it simply holds up a mirror, and in this case, the reflection includes a cowboy hat, a kiss on the cheek, and a joke that made headlines around the world.
Royal Rift Still Making Waves
Tensions with the Royal Family
Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, headlines have rarely missed a chance to highlight the growing chasm between them and the rest of the royal family. From candid interviews to tell-all documentaries, the Sussexes have laid bare their reasons for leaving and the pressures they faced inside “The Firm.”
Yet, public reaction has remained divided. Some applaud their bravery and honesty, while others see their revelations as damaging and opportunistic. What remains clear is that the rift is far from healed. Occasional royal events, such as King Charles’s coronation or major anniversaries, have done little to bridge the gap, with Harry often appearing solo or making brief, symbolic visits.
SNL’s joke may have been comedy, but it’s grounded in a reality where Harry and Meghan are no longer royal insiders—they’re outsiders with a global platform, for better or worse.
Media Spotlight
Despite their efforts to create a life of relative privacy, the Sussexes continue to draw intense media attention. Whether it’s their philanthropic ventures, entertainment projects, or simple public outings, the couple remains a media magnet. Every gesture is analyzed, every comment dissected.
The irony? They left the royal family partly to escape that level of scrutiny. But in the US, fame works differently. There’s no such thing as being “off the clock” when you’re in the public eye. SNL’s joke taps into this dynamic perfectly—it’s not just a joke about two people, but a joke about their predicament. They wanted freedom. What they got was a different kind of spotlight.
