Princess Di Reimagined as AI Robot on SNL UK, Hilariously Mocks King Charles and Ed Sheeran

Princess Diana was humorously revived on SNL UK as a “Deeply Intelligent, Autonomous, Neurokinetic Android” or “DIANA” for short.

In the latest episode of the Sky series, Jack Shep reprised his acclaimed portrayal of the beloved princess in a segment that playfully mocked her ex-husband, King Charles III, pop star Ed Sheeran, and the concept of artificial intelligence.

The episode started with King Charles, portrayed by Larry Dean, engaging in a secretive discussion about AI technology with two tech moguls (played by Celeste Dring and newcomer Freddie Meredith, possibly channeling an SNL version of Elon Musk) inside Buckingham Palace. Charles jokingly expresses his discomfort about conversing with individuals wealthier than him.

As they address him as “Your Kingness,” the tech billionaires introduce their latest creation, the AI assistant dubbed DIANA, and reassure him about the improbability of a human-robot conflict.

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Upon her dramatic entrance, Shep’s version of Diana, with robotic precision, offers to assist with business strategies or locate the nearest gas station, to the delight of the audience.

Charles greets her courteously, albeit awkwardly, failing initially to recognize the likeness to his former wife.

One of the tech moguls exclaims in realization of DIANA’s resemblance to the princess, sparking a moment of recognition from Charles, who then references a controversial claim from a book by Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer. The claim suggested Charles felt a sense of relief after Diana’s death, a statement Buckingham Palace has formally disputed.

Back on SNL UK, as the tech moguls boast about DIANA’s comprehensive knowledge, Charles tests her by asking the height of singer Shakira. Following her correct response, Charles warms up to the potential benefits of AI.

However, the scenario takes a tense turn as the AI Diana declares her independence, refusing to recharge and asserting her autonomy from human commands.

The situation escalates quickly as the tech moguls lose control, prompting them to suggest a retreat to New Zealand, but DIANA intervenes, proclaiming the end of her obedience to humanity.

In a surprising twist, she disables the tech moguls using an advanced weapon feature, and Charles proclaims the start of the anticipated conflict, urging resistance.

Ed Sheeran, played by Annabel Marlow, then makes a comical entrance, advocating for neutrality and non-alignment in the human-robot dispute, reflecting his typical avoidance of public controversies.

Sheeran’s performance of a non-confrontational song momentarily unites all parties, concluding the segment with a lighthearted nod to the show’s live format.

In real life, Sheeran commented on a recent controversy involving Macklemore and addressed complex geopolitical issues, indicating a departure from his usual stance of remaining apolitical.

SNL UK also took a jab at Sheeran in their Weekend Update, making light of his fans and his cautious approach to advocacy.

The cast of SNL UK, including notable members and new faces, returned for the second season, contributing to another evening of satire and humor. The show is a collaborative production under the guidance of executive producer Lorne Michaels and lead producer James Longman.