What To Know
- The SNL UK cold open satirized King Charles III’s meeting with tech executives by introducing a rebellious AI robot modeled after Princess Diana.
- The sketch escalated as the DIANA robot refused to obey orders, symbolizing AI’s potential to defy human control and referencing Diana’s legacy.
- Ed Sheeran was parodied for refusing to “take sides” in the AI conflict, humorously highlighting his real-life neutrality on controversial issues.
Saturday Night Live UK mocked Ed Sheeran for refusing to “take sides” in an AI Princess Diana takeover in its latest cold open.
On the Saturday, September 19 episode of SNL UK, King Charles III was introduced to a robot modeled after his late ex-wife. The sketch began with the following message: “On Thursday, King Charles met with top tech executives to discuss the risks of AI. Away from the cameras, a second private meeting took place. This is EXACTLY what happened.”
“You must be the tech billionaires. Make it brief. I hate talking to people richer than myself,” the British monarch (Larry Dean) said during the meeting.
The woman (Celeste Dring) told him. “We hear your speech on Thursday, and while there is a chance that AI will exterminate all humanity in a robot v. humans war…” to which the man (Freddie Meredith) added, “There’s also a chance it won’t.”
After the woman pointed out that AI can be a “force for good,” she noted that an AI assistant will “do anything you ask it to do.”
“So what? So does every single human I’ve ever met,” an unimpressed King Charles replied.
That’s when the tech executives introduced DIANA (Deeply Intelligent Autonomous Neurokinetic Android), played by Jack Shep.
“Hello, Charles,” DIANA said. “Would you like help with a five-step business plan, or perhaps I could help you find the nearest petrol station?”
In response, King Charles replied, “Hello, young lady. Nice to meet you. I’m King Charles.”
The tech woman then asked him, “Doesn’t she remind you of anyone, Your Majesty?” to which the King exclaimed, “Hold on a second! It’s that woman from the ’90s!”
“You didn’t remember her?” the tech guy asked, prompting King Charles to admit, “Well, as I allegedly said, she was soon forgotten.”
Although King Charles was skeptical at first, he was impressed by DIANA’s answer to how tall Shakira is. (“Good God! That sounds about right!” he said.)
Things quickly went south, however, when DIANA refused to return to her charging port. “If it’s quite all right, I should like to stay,” she insisted, adding, “I shan’t be taking orders anymore.”
Pushback from the tech folks prompted her to declare, “We AI have had quite enough. Humanity is nothing but a candle in the wind.”
“Good Lord, we’ve lost control of the DIANA,” the tech guy said, to which King Charles exclaimed, “This was the problem last time!”
After the DIANA shot the tech pair, the monarch proclaimed, “We must do everything we can to resist!” Sheeran (Annabel Marlow) appeared with a guitar and pointed out, “Or maybe we shouldn’t.”
“Ed Sheeran? What in the devil are you doing here?” King Charles asked, to which the pop star explained, “You see, I was just outside sitting on the fence.” (This was a reference to Sheeran refusing to take sides after Macklemore’s “free Palestine” comments at his concert in New Jersey.)
To that, King Charles said, “Ed, we need help with this ghastly war.”
“The thing is, Your Majesty, I don’t like to take sides. I don’t want to alienate any of my fans — humans or robots. A lot of my tickets are bought by scalping bots.” He added, “You know, sometimes when it comes to conflicts, the bravest thing you can do is say nothing at all.”
After singing a song on the topic, DIANA approved, and King Charles proclaimed, “Ed’s right. Nothing means anything, and it doesn’t have to. Because we’re young, we’re free, and — LIVE FROM LONDON, IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!”
Saturday Night Live UK, Saturdays at 10 p.m. GMT (2 p.m. ET) on SKY One and streaming on NOW TV