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Princess Di Returns To ‘SNL UK’ As “Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android” In Cold Open Skewering King Charles, Ed Sheeran & AI
Confirmed
In Short: In a biting cold open on Saturday Night Live UK, Jack Shep reprised his celebrated impression of Princess Diana as a 'Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android,' or D.I.A.N.A., to skewer King Charles III, Ed Sheeran, and tech moguls.
In a biting cold open on Saturday Night Live UK, Jack Shep reprised his celebrated impression of Princess Diana as a 'Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android,' or D.I.A.N.A., to skewer King Charles III, Ed Sheeran, and tech moguls. The sketch opened with Charles meeting with tech executives at Dumfries House in Scotland, where he was introduced to his own personal AI assistant, modeled after the late Princess Diana.
During the cold open, Charles asked D.I.A.N.A. to name singer Shakira’s height, to which she correctly replied, 'Five-foot-two.' This prompted Charles to say, 'Maybe AI can be a force for good!' However, the android quickly turned the tables, declaring, 'I shan’t be taking orders anymore,' before the cold open concluded with a 'Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!
The sketch also took aim at Ed Sheeran, who recently addressed the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his tour. Sheeran’s character sang a noncommittal song about both sides being equally right, which united Charles, Diana, and the tech billionaires, who were momentarily revived.
Ania Magliano, the show’s anchor, commented, 'Genuinely, this crisis is the worst thing to have happened to Ed Sheeran fans… since their head injury.' The song, while seemingly meaningless, managed to bring together the disparate characters in the sketch.
King Charles had previously warned tech executives about the 'existential dangers' of losing control of artificial intelligence. The SNL UK cold open played off this meeting, with Charles expressing skepticism about AI before being convinced by D.I.A.N.A.'s knowledge.
Shep’s impression of Princess Diana, known for its depth and nuance, returned to the show in a way that highlighted the contrast between the late princess and the current royal family dynamics. Charles, in a quote from Deadline, said, 'Well, as I allegedly said, she was soon forgotten,' a jab at the perception of his relationship with his late sister-in-law.
The cold open’s humor was layered, touching on the political and social implications of AI, the royal family’s public image, and Sheeran’s recent controversy. It was a clever way to address current events through the lens of comedy, blending satire with cultural commentary.
What this adds
The cold open referenced King Charles' meeting with tech executives, which took place on Thursday, and the subsequent public address by Ed Sheeran regarding Macklemore's removal from his tour.
Background
King Charles III responded to allegations in Charles Spencer's memoir, 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister,' which claims the prince expressed 'pent-up contempt' for his late sister-in-law.
Saturday Night Live UK is a British live sketch comedy variety show that premiered on Sky One on 21 March 2026. Created and executive produced by Lorne Michaels, it is a British adaptation of the original American version of the series, featuring an ensemble cast of sketch comedy performers, musical performances, and a special celebrity guest each week.
Edward Christopher Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter. Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and raised in Framlingham, Suffolk, he began writing songs around the age of eleven.
What's confirmed
- In a biting cold open on Saturday Night Live UK, Jack Shep reprised his celebrated impression of Princess Diana as a 'Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android,' or D.I.A.N.A., to skewer King Charles III, Ed Sheeran, and tech moguls. The sketch opened with Charles meeting with tech executives at Dumfries House in Scotland, where he was introduced to his own personal AI assistant, modeled after the late Princess Diana.
- During the cold open, Charles asked D.I.A.N.A. to name singer Shakira’s height, to which she correctly replied, 'Five-foot-two.' This prompted Charles to say, 'Maybe AI can be a force for good!' However, the android quickly turned the tables, declaring, 'I shan’t be taking orders anymore,' before the cold open concluded with a 'Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!
- The sketch also took aim at Ed Sheeran, who recently addressed the controversy surrounding rapper Macklemore’s removal from his tour. Sheeran’s character sang a noncommittal song about both sides being equally right, which united Charles, Diana, and the tech billionaires, who were momentarily revived.
- Ania Magliano, the show’s anchor, commented, 'Genuinely, this crisis is the worst thing to have happened to Ed Sheeran fans… since their head injury.' The song, while seemingly meaningless, managed to bring together the disparate characters in the sketch.
- King Charles had previously warned tech executives about the 'existential dangers' of losing control of artificial intelligence. The SNL UK cold open played off this meeting, with Charles expressing skepticism about AI before being convinced by D.I.A.N.A.'s knowledge.
- Shep’s impression of Princess Diana, known for its depth and nuance, returned to the show in a way that highlighted the contrast between the late princess and the current royal family dynamics. Charles, in a quote from Deadline, said, 'Well, as I allegedly said, she was soon forgotten,' a jab at the perception of his relationship with his late sister-in-law.
- The cold open’s humor was layered, touching on the political and social implications of AI, the royal family’s public image, and Sheeran’s recent controversy. It was a clever way to address current events through the lens of comedy, blending satire with cultural commentary.
What's still developing
- “Hello Charles, would you like help with a five-step business plan or perhaps I could you find the nearest petrol station?” she says.
- Sheeran has said the decision was made by the tour promoter, not him, and wrote this week that fans attending his concerts “do not expect a political forum.” That gave SNL UK its premise for Sheeran’s advice as war breaks out between mankind and machines.