New York, NY - July 5, 2026 - A recent installment of "Saturday Night Live" featured a segment that depicted Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in starkly negative terms, with the Duke of Sussex characterized as a "British hostage" and the Duchess as an "American terrorist." This comedic framing by the typically progressive SNL suggests a significant shift in American public perception, where the couple, once viewed as sympathetic figures forging a new path, are now fodder for sharp, critical humor.
The sketch, which aired over the weekend, tapped into current events, linking the couple to a new UK-US trade deal negotiated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump. In the satirical exchange, the perceived cost of such a deal involved the U.S. retaining Markle and Harry. This has led to commentary from royal observers who interpret the humor as reflective of the couple's perceived struggle to regain favor with former supporters.
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Public Image Under Scrutiny
The comedic jabs come amidst ongoing discussions about the couple's public persona and their departure from senior royal duties. While the exact date of the broadcast is recent, the commentary surrounding the sketch points to a broader trend.
Analysts suggest that the "Saturday Night Live" portrayal indicates that much of Hollywood and the U.S. media, which previously cast Markle and Harry as "wronged outsiders," now perceive them differently.
A sentiment of "people in America have generally fallen out of love with Harry and Meghan" has been voiced by commentators.
The "Terrorist" and "Hostage" Analogy
The specific phrasing used in the SNL segment has drawn particular attention.
Branding Markle an "American terrorist" and Harry a "British hostage" signifies a comedic take on their transatlantic narrative and their public criticisms of the British monarchy.
One report noted that SNL "can casually cast Harry as a hostage and Meghan as the terrorist," which "says as much about their standing in America as it does about the punchline itself."
Broader Context of Royal Depictions
The recent SNL episode also included other jabs at the royal family, particularly in relation to King Charles's visit to the U.S. This included mocking President Trump's association with Prince Andrew and a quip about how to contact the royals. The satire appeared to capitalize on the couple's public statements, including their high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey and Harry's memoir, "Spare," which have detailed their experiences within the royal family. The underlying theme appears to be a perceived decline in the couple's positive reception, transforming them from subjects of sympathy to targets of ridicule.
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