SNL UK Opens Season 2 With Harry and Meghan Cold Open
Saturday Night Live U.K. opened its second season by sending up Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to England.
The cold open, meaning the opening sketch before the title sequence, aired in the Season 2 premiere on September 12, according to Variety. The episode was hosted by Jeff Goldblum and airs on Sky.
The sketch was set at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Larry Dean played King Charles and Emma Sidi played Queen Camilla, with Jack Shep as Prince Harry and Ayoade Bamgboye as Meghan Markle.
The scene played the reunion for awkward laughs. At one point, Meghan hands Camilla an ice tray and says, “I made it myself.” Short line. Big laugh.
George Fouracres also appeared in the episode as Prime Minister Andy Burnham. His cameo kept the sketch rooted in Westminster as well as Windsor.
Goldblum’s booking as host for the first episode of the run was confirmed earlier in September, Deadline reported. Season 2 follows the launch run of the British version of the long-running American sketch show.
What makes this stand out is the choice of target. A royal cold open puts the tone of a new season on record fast. For viewers, this one signals a series willing to start with the most recognisable family in the country.
