With all the media work, candid interviews, and non-profit work, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have always been in the spotlight after they paused from their royal duties. Recently, they became the subject of an SNL (Saturday Night Live) roast where they were satirically roasted alongside Donald Trump. This segment goes on to show the continuous curiosity, laughs, and controversies surrounding the couple from the UK and the rest of the world.
The SNL Moment That Made Waves
On May 10, 2025, during the Weekend Update segment of SNL, comedian Colin Jost Prince made a Markle Harry comment regarding their royal bona fides strong enough to get a laugh.
About a fictional trade agreement between the US and the UK, he joked, “President Trump announced a new trade deal with the UK that will open up British markets for American businesses.
All that Britain demands in return is that we keep these two,” while a picture of Harry and Meghan was shown to the audience.
People in the studio laughed at the joke when it was told during the show. But on social media, some people were not happy about it. Some asked if it was just a joke or if it was something deeper and more serious.
The joke from the former SNL host got people talking. It showed how Meghan and Harry are in a tricky and sometimes difficult place in today’s world and culture.
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Why Are Harry and Meghan Always in the News?
A Disney-style romance ushered in Meghan and Harry’s journey. Their wedding in 2018 was, to many, a renewed hope for the British monarchy. Meghan, a biracial American actress, added a fresh touch to the royal family. At the beginning, they were celebrated without reservations.
Things, however, took a quick turn. Meghan faced intense backlash from British tabloids. Her portrayal in the media vis-à-vis Kate Middleton was heavily biased, and some of the headlines bordered on racist. Harry has always struggled with the media, mainly due to the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, and the media’s fixation on her was becoming increasingly maddening.
In 2020, the couple made the bold decision to step back from royal duties and move to North America. This move, now dubbed “Megxit”, shocked both the Royal Family and the public. They gave up their royal titles and financial support from the monarchy, aiming for independence and privacy. But ironically, their fame only grew.
Media Deals and Public Appearances
Since moving to California, Harry and Meghan have signed big-money deals with Netflix and Spotify. They want to make shows and content that inform, inspire, and entertain people. They also keep doing charity work through their organisation called Archewell.
They have given several interviews, including a famous one with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. In that talk, Meghan spoke about her struggles with mental health and said she did not feel supported by the Royal Family.
Harry also spoke about how hard it was growing up with constant attention from the media in the UK. These interviews made news around the world. Some people praised them for being brave and honest. Others said they were trying to get attention and were hurting the Royal Family.
Public Opinion: Divided and Passionate
In the UK, public opinion about Harry and Meghan is sharply divided. Some admire their courage in speaking out, their charitable efforts, and their commitment to mental health.
Others believe they abandoned their responsibilities and criticise them for profiting from their royal status while also rejecting it. In the US, they are viewed more favourably, especially among younger and more progressive audiences.
Many Americans relate to their desire to break free from rigid traditions and build a new life. This cultural divide makes them ripe for satire, like the SNL sketch, which uses comedy to point out the tensions between tradition and modern celebrity culture.
The Role of Satire in Shaping Perception
Satirical shows like Saturday Night Live often reflect how the public feels about well-known figures. By including Harry and Meghan in a joke, SNL highlighted how the couple has become more than royals — they are now public personalities who influence everything from politics to pop culture.
The skit also included a reference to Donald Trump, who has publicly commented on the Sussexes in the past. By mixing royalty and politics, the sketch subtly explored themes like international relationships, public image, and celebrity diplomacy. Though some may see the joke as disrespectful, satire serves a purpose. It questions powerful institutions and people in the spotlight.
The very fact that Harry and Meghan were included shows how influential they have become outside of the traditional royal structure.
How Harry and Meghan Respond to Criticism
Harry and Meghan do not respond to the backlash they receive in public, even though it is harsh. They have shifted their focus to their professional endeavours. Harry, for instance, often states that leaving royal life was about prioritising family.
Meghan has maintained her position on advocating for women’s rights as well as racial discrimination. Their quietness in the face of mockery could mean that this is part of a more comprehensive plan to let their actions drown the endless chatter. Anyways, they’re not completely quiet either.
In 2023, Harry’s memoir Spare disclosed personal aspects of his life, such as his grief, military service, and the rift with his brother Prince William. The book became a bestseller but, as expected, garnered further criticism. As before, revealing private details brought both empathy and sympathy.
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Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a very special story. They used to live royal lives in the palace, but now they live in California. Their life have not been easy. They have faced many problems and have had to work hard.
People all over the world still talk about them. A short joke about them on Saturday Night Live may seem small, but it shows something bigger. It shows that Harry and Meghan are still trying to live their own life while everyone keeps watching and talking about them.
Regardless of whether you adore or hate them, the couple is a part of a bigger discourse about family, freedom, responsibility, and image. They continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be royal in the contemporary world – and the globe has its eyes glued on them.