SNL UK Roasts Prince Andrew & Beckhams in Debut Weekend Update
The debut of “SNL U.K.’s” Weekend Update segment on Saturday night featured pointed jokes directed at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince currently under police investigation. Hosts Ania Magliano and Paddy Young addressed Mountbatten-Windsor’s recent arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stemming from allegations related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Magliano opened the segment with a provocative line, referencing both war and allegations of sexual abuse: “Coming up on Weekend Update: pedophilia. But first, war!” She later joked about renovations at Mountbatten-Windsor’s new residence, Marsh Farm, stating, “So, if you’re watching this Andrew, hello! You’re not gonna like this next bit. Also, I’m older than I look,” and adding a dark jest, “Andrew’s new residence, Marsh Farm, is of course named after the nearby marsh where his body will be found.”
Young followed with a commentary on the potential for further legal scrutiny. “It was reported this week that the police investigation into Andrew is set to widen,” he said. “The big question now is, if Andrew is charged, found guilty and put in prison, will he be able to keep his mouth shut? I hope not, said his cellmate’s penis.”
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last month and subsequently released under investigation, according to reports. The arrest followed the release of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Police are currently pressing U.S. Authorities for access to unredacted versions of these files, according to a statement from Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Sir Mark Rowley. Rowley indicated that investigators are reviewing a “whole range of suggested sexual allegations” to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted.
The police investigation initially focused on allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment, a role he held from 2001 to 2011. Though, reports indicate that detectives at Thames Valley police are now expanding the scope of the inquiry to include potential corruption offenses. A police source, speaking to The Times, suggested that establishing misconduct in public office may be legally challenging, prompting the broader investigation.
Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his relationship with Epstein. Emails between the two reportedly show continued communication until at least February 2011. The ties to Epstein ultimately led to Mountbatten-Windsor stepping down from his royal duties and being stripped of his royal patronages in January 2022.
Thames Valley Police are also reviewing allegations that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. The force has not released further details on this aspect of the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing, with police awaiting unredacted files from U.S. Authorities.