'SNL UK mocks Prince Andrew's 29-year undercover operation

"The secret phrase is Pizza Express Woking."

It was inevitable that "Saturday Night Live UK's" cold open would feature the former Prince Andrew. 

The second SNL UK did exactly that, humourously portraying Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, sans title, with a sketch set in 1997.

In this episode’s cold open, a youthful Prince Andrew, portrayed by Jack Shep, who went viral last week for his Princess Diana parody, has a meeting with MI5 agents.

His mission: a 29-year strategy to make the future King Charles III, at that time just an ordinary prince, as endearing as possible for his eventual kingship. 

"I’m devoted to my brother, love my nation, and am prepared to do what is necessary," he declares. This mission involves making other royal family members, including Prince Harry and Prince William, appear less likable to enhance Charles’ image.

As he reads through the 29-year plan to the agents, Andrew references Jeffrey Epstein by asking: “And you actually want me to do all these things? Even the part about befriending a known child predator? Before and after his conviction?”

To chuckles from the audience, he’s then joined by fellow Epstein associate Peter Mandelson, played by Larry Dean. 

“The most upright, moral politician we have,” Andrew remarks. “No one will suspect he could be swayed.” Both have been detained in the recent weeks after being linked to the Epstein Files.

The agents in the cold open conclude by informing Andrew that the phrase to extricate him from the 29-year plan is “Pizza Express Woking,” a nod to his infamous alibi during his ill-fated BBC Newsnight interview concerning his ties with Epstein. 

“I’m uncertain if I can seamlessly integrate that into a conversation, but I’ll strive for a natural delivery,” he says.

SNL UK has entered its second week, marking its first episode with a non-American host, in this case, Jamie Dornan.

Dornan’s opening monologue featured jokes surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey, potatoes, and a surprise appearance from his fellow Irishman Chris O’Dowd.

Last week’s inaugural cold open made light of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s submissive behaviour towards Donald Trump. 

Discussing with Deadline before the launch earlier this month, lead writer Daran Jonno Johnson mentioned: “I suppose we have two equivalents of the White House” in the UK. “We’ve got Buckingham Palace and [the Prime Minister’s residence at] 10 Downing Street, leading to a blend of characters. I believe we’ll find intriguing perspectives on that.”

SNL UK is scheduled for the next seven weeks at 10pm GMT (3 p.m. PT) on Saturdays, with each episode available on Peacock in the US the following day. 

Cast members include Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.

There was skepticism leading up to last week’s launch of a quintessentially American show, with doubts about its success in the UK, yet it received positive feedback and strong viewership numbers. Next week, Riz Ahmed will take the helm.