Britain’s newly launched edition of Saturday Night Live has stirred debate after a sharply written cold open took aim at former Prince Andrew, using satire to recall one of the most controversial royal scandals in recent memory.
SNL UK sparks ex-Prince Andrew debate with satire in a bold, cold way
Styled as a fictional MI5 briefing, the sketch presents a secret plan to improve the public image of King Charles by deliberately damaging the reputations of those around him.
It opens with a line that sets the tone for the sequence: “Since Diana’s death, the public has turned on Prince Charles. But one day he will be king,” says the MI5 agent, played by Celeste Dring. “We need him to look good. There is no easy way to put it, Your Highness. We figured the only way to increase the sympathy of our future king is to decrease the sympathy of everyone around him.”
In the sketch, Andrew, played by Jack Shep, agrees to the plan with apparent loyalty. “Got it,” Shep as Andrew says. “Well, I love my brother, I love my country, and I’m willing to do anything. An increasingly absurd escalation ensues as another agent lays out an alleged “29-year plan” detailing steps to undermine his public standing.
The most telling moment comes when Andrew reacts in disbelief: “And you really want me to do all of this? Even the part about being friends with a notorious pedophile? Before and after his conviction? And there’s absolutely no other way to help my brother look good?” The line directly refers to his widely reported connection to Jeffrey Epstein, an issue that has remained the focus of public criticism.
The sketch continues to layer satire with real-world references, including the now infamous “Pizza Express, Woking” alibi. “Your Highness, if you’re ever in too deep, say the code word and we’ll step in to save you,” Dring’s character says. When asked for a code word, the answer is immediate: “Pizza Express, Woking.”
The segment ends with a theatrical flourish as Andrew declares: “Gentlemen, thank you and say goodbye to the man you love… See you in 2026 when I can finally lift my head and say… Live from London, it’s Saturday night!”
The sketch is part of the early episodes of SNL UK, which premiered in March 2026 and marks the first UK adaptation of the long-running American format. The program quickly gained attention for its willingness to tackle sensitive political and cultural topics, mixing traditional British satire with a faster American sketch style.
Critics note that the show has not shied away from controversy, especially when it comes to its treatment of royal characters. Earlier segments also referenced Andrew’s legal troubles and prolonged public scrutiny related to the Epstein scandal.
While reactions have been mixed, the cold open signals a clear editorial direction. By focusing on one of the most controversial figures in recent royal history, SNL UK positions itself as a bold participant in British TV satire – one willing to challenge both institutions and a sensitive public in the pursuit of edgy comedy.
