Princess Diana reappeared on SNL UK in an unexpected new role as a “Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android.”
In the second episode of the Sky series, Jack Shep reprised his acclaimed portrayal of the late princess in a cold open that poked fun at her ex-husband, King Charles III, alongside Ed Sheeran and the concept of artificial intelligence.
The episode began with King Charles, depicted by Larry Dean, in a private conversation with two tech billionaires (played by Celeste Dring and the new face Freddie Meredith, perhaps channeling SNL‘s version of Elon Musk) at Buckingham Palace discussing AI. Charles, initially expressing his discomfort about “speaking to people wealthier than myself,” is reassured about the unlikelihood of a conflict between humans and robots.
The tech magnates, addressing him as “Your Kingness,” then introduce him to his new AI aide, the Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android, or DIANA for short.
Shep’s portrayal of Diana as DIANA then makes a grand entrance to enthusiastic applause from the audience. “Hello Charles, would you need assistance with a five-step business plan or locating the nearest petrol station?” she offers.
Charles greets her, “Hello, young lady… nice to meet you. I’m King Charles,” to which DIANA modestly looks down.
“Does she look familiar to you, Your Majesty?” one of the tech moguls asks. “Wait a minute! It’s that lady from the ’90s!” Charles exclaims.
“You didn’t recognize her?” the other mogul questions. “Well, as I supposedly remarked, she was quickly forgotten,” Charles replies.
This line refers to a controversial claim in a book by Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, suggesting that King Charles (then Prince Charles) felt “giddy and elated” upon hearing of his former wife’s death and allegedly remarked: “Rest assured, we’ll forget her soon enough.”
Buckingham Palace, in an unusual step, responded to these allegations by stating: “While we generally do not comment on books, His Majesty remembers that the pain of losing a sibling can cloud judgment and alter memories in ways that others may not understand, even many years later.”
Meanwhile, back on SNL UK, the tech moguls boast that AI Diana contains “all human knowledge,” prompting Charles to test her by asking for Shakira’s height. After DIANA correctly answers, Charles muses, “Perhaps AI could indeed be beneficial!”
At this juncture, the android princess chooses to defy the humans. Declining to recharge, she declares, “I will no longer obey orders.”
The billionaires panic and command, “Everyone, move to New Zealand,” but DIANA interjects in a mechanical tone, “Hold on. We AIs have had enough. Humanity is merely a candle in the wind.”
She then incapacitates the billionaires with her newly-formed metal arm, and Charles announces the onset of war, urging resistance.
Ed Sheeran (portrayed by Annabel Marlow), entering with a guitar and peace sign, interjects, “Maybe we shouldn’t fight.” He had been eavesdropping and comments, “I prefer not to pick sides to avoid upsetting any of my fans, humans or robots. Sometimes, the most courageous act is to remain silent.”
Sheeran then performs a song that essentially says nothing, yet somehow brings everyone together, including the revived tech billionaires. “What a lovely tune, Ed Sheeran,” DIANA remarks as the scene wraps up with the iconic line, “Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!”
Subsequently, Sheeran addressed the controversy stemming from Macklemore’s removal from his tour due to pro-Palestine remarks made on stage. Sheeran stated he “never intended to be an activist musician” but acknowledged being caught in an intense debate over free speech and a complex international issue.
He described the October 7 attack on Israel as “horrific,” while deeming the situation in Gaza “catastrophic, unjustifiable, and disproportionate.”
SNL UK continued its critique of Sheeran later in the Weekend Update segment. “This crisis is the worst thing for Ed Sheeran fans… since their head injury,” joked anchor Ania Magliano. “Say what you will about Ed, but he’s always supported permissible causes,” added Paddy Young.
All of SNL UK’s cast from the first season returned, including Hammed Animashaun, Bamgboye, Dean, Dring, Fouracres, Magliano, Marlow, Al Nash, Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young, with Meredith marking his debut. The season was kicked off by Jeff Goldblum, with Jamie Demetriou hosting the latest episode.
SNL UK is a production of Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK team and Broadway Video. Lorne Michaels oversees the series as executive producer, with James Longman as the lead producer.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
