Saturday Night Live UK's latest episode took aim at the Royal Family in a sketch that aired on Saturday evening, with the Duchess of Sussex among those targeted by the comedy programme's writers.
Cast member Hammed Animashaun delivered a pointed joke about Prince Harry's marriage, quipping that the duke was "going to marry a woman 98 per cent of the UK public will find it impossible to have a normal conversation about."
The gag referenced the polarised opinions surrounding Meghan, who has remained a prominent public figure since departing from senior royal duties alongside her husband in 2020.
Royal fans were left divided over the targeted joke, with one quipping: "Ouchh!!! ------ Again??"
Royal fans left divided after Meghan Markle targeted on Saturday Night Live UK
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However, another social media user said: "The smearing of Prince Harry and Meghan just won’t do.
"It’s overused, and frankly too transparent."
The sketch's premise centred on a fictional MI5 operation designed to enhance King Charles's public standing following Princess Diana's death.
Agents, portrayed by Celeste Dring, Ayoade Bamgboye and Mr Animashaun, met with a spoof version of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, played by Jack Shep, to outline their supposed "29-year plan" to diminish the appeal of other royals.
The actor Hammed Animashaun delivered a pointed joke about Prince Harry's marriage
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Prince William's appearance became a target for the comedians, while Sarah Ferguson's distinctive walk also drew mockery.
Emma Sidi's portrayal of Ms Ferguson included a joke about her continued residence with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.
For example, Mr Animashaun's character suggested she "stay by Andrew's side, live with him without explanation for the next 29 years."
Audience responses to the sketch proved overall divided, with numerous viewers lauding the writing as "brilliant" and "pure gold" on social media platforms.
The cast of Saturday Night Live UK
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Tina Fey on stage during the first episode of Saturday Night Live UK
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"You know when people say it's 'edgy'. Well, this found the edge and zoomed right off! Brilliant," one commenter wrote on YouTube.
However, not all reactions were favourable.
Some viewers took issue with the sketch addressing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor as "Your Majesty" rather than using his former title of His Royal Highness, which was removed by the King at the end of last year.
"Well done, guys, a huge step backwards for comedy," one critic remarked, while another described the segment as "creepy as hell."