Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the self-styled “royal rebels,” were the subject of a brutal roast on NBC’s *Saturday Night Live*, with comedian Colin Jost pulling no punches during the “Weekend Update” segment.
In a biting jab aimed at the couple’s ongoing saga, Jost joked about the UK’s new trade deal with the United States, saying, “President Trump also announced a new trade deal with the UK that will reopen British markets for American companies.” The punchline followed quickly, with Jost quipping, “All that Britain demands in return is that we keep these two,” as a photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex flashed on the screen.
It’s clear that the couple’s once-untouchable status within the British royal family has taken a nosedive, with their antics sparking growing disdain across both sides of the pond. The couple’s controversial exit from the royal family in 2020, followed by their ongoing public statements criticizing their relatives, has only fueled skepticism and mistrust within royal circles and beyond. The “Weekend Update” roast is just the latest example of how the public’s perception of Harry and Meghan has soured.
Meanwhile, the couple, who have been living in self-imposed exile in Montecito, California, were spotted attending Beyoncé’s final “Cowboy Carter” tour stop at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. The duo was seen engaging in public displays of affection, with Meghan posting a recap of their romantic date night on social media. A sweet video showed Harry giving his wife a kiss on the cheek, while Meghan shared a glimpse of his customized hat, which featured the names of their two children, Archie and Lilibet, along with flags from the U.S., California, and the UK.
However, even as the couple seems to paint a picture of domestic bliss, the fallout from their departure from royal duties looms large. Sources recently told *Page Six* that Harry is effectively “blackballed” from the royal family, with a deep mistrust brewing among his relatives. A source close to the situation explained, “I genuinely think nobody trusts him, and that’s the bottom line. The royal family has major trust issues with him, and that’s what’s at the heart of everything.” The source continued, “They don’t trust him and Meghan, and that’s why they can’t have a relationship … maybe there’s room to forgive, but they won’t forget. Forgiveness and trust are two different things.”
This mistrust stems from the couple’s 2020 exit, during which they accused the royal family of racism and creating a “toxic environment.” Since then, they’ve been living a life of luxury in their \$14 million mansion in Montecito, far removed from the duties and expectations of royal life. Yet despite their seemingly idyllic Californian lifestyle, it’s clear that their fractured relationship with the monarchy and their increasing alienation from the British public continue to cast a shadow over their lives.
As Harry and Meghan continue to chase fame and fortune on their own terms, their standing with both the royal family and the public seems to be on a downward trajectory. The roast on *Saturday Night Live* is just the latest indicator of how the world views the couple’s antics—more as a spectacle than as the beloved royals they once were. Whether they can salvage any semblance of their royal reputations or continue down the path of self-promotion remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the “royal rebels” seem to be losing their grip on the public’s affection.
