Harry and Meghan: The Hollywood Punchline

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have become a prime target for comedians, thanks to their Netflix documentary and Harry's autobiography, “Spare.”

The couple, once adored by many, now finds themselves the subject of ridicule in the entertainment world.

Recent sketches and stand-up routines have highlighted their fall from grace, showcasing how public perception has shifted dramatically.

In a recent episode of “Saturday Night Live,” comedian Michael Che took aim at Meghan, jokingly suggesting she was being offered $19 an hour to attend the coronation.

Accompanied by a visual of Meghan dressed as a maid, the sketch drew laughter and sparked discussions online.

A Reddit user chimed in, stating, “Y'all, Hollywood is laughing at them,” encapsulating the sentiment that the couple has become a punchline.

Chris Rock also joined the fray during his latest Netflix special.

He poked fun at Meghan's claims regarding concerns about their son Archie's skin tone, dismissing it as typical in-law banter rather than racism.

Rock's commentary seemed to resonate with many, leading to speculation about Meghan's displeasure with his remarks.

Not stopping there, Trevor Noah made headlines when he joked about Prince Harry's frostbitten p-nis while hosting the Grammy Awards.

Even James Corden, who once welcomed Harry on his show and attended his wedding, has taken jabs at the revelations from “Spare.”

The shift from camaraderie to comedic fodder illustrates a significant change in how the couple is perceived.

Nick Ede, a former friend of Meghan, weighed in on the situation, claiming they have become “low-hanging fruit” for Hollywood's humorists.

Ede, who has known Meghan since 2013, expressed surprise that comedians like Trevor Noah would openly mock them, calling it humiliating for the couple.

This shift in tone reflects a broader cultural moment where humor often mirrors current events and societal sentiments.

Ede further noted that the couple's constant sharing of their struggles could begin to wear thin on the public.

With ongoing global crises, including economic challenges and wars, their narrative may feel out of touch.

He remarked that their repeated declarations of hardship might start to grate on people's nerves, especially considering the state of the world.

The couple's initial hopes of being embraced by Hollywood seem to have been dashed, particularly following Harry's candid revelations about his family.

Reports indicate that they were not invited to any of the 2023 BAFTA events, signaling a potential distancing from the industry they once sought to join.

Royal commentator Dan Wooten shared his insights, suggesting that Harry and Meghan are beginning to grasp the reality of their situation.

He pointed out that their decisions, such as the controversial Oprah interview, have not always prioritized family well-being.

Wooten believes this lack of foresight has contributed to their current predicament.

Despite their vocal critiques of the royal institution, it seems the couple has come to realize that their connection to the monarchy plays a crucial role in their financial stability.

Wooten emphasized that their Hollywood success hinges on their relationship with the royal family, a realization that may come too late for the couple.

As Harry and Meghan navigate this tumultuous landscape, they face a crossroads.

Their desire for privacy and independence clashes with the public's appetite for their story.

The laughter directed at them from the comedy circuit may reflect deeper societal sentiments, leaving the couple to reconsider their approach moving forward.

In a world rife with challenges, the couple's narrative may need to evolve if they wish to regain favor and relevance.

Whether they can pivot away from being the subject of jokes to reclaiming their narrative remains to be seen.

The question now is whether they can shift perceptions and find their footing once more in a landscape that seems to revel in their missteps.