Trigger Warning: Child Sexual Abuse Material
SNL UK co-hosts Paddy Young and Ania Magliano used allegations involving Meghan Markle‘s father, Thomas Markle Sr., as material for a royal family joke. The hosts addressed the controversy during the “Weekend Update” segment of the October 24 episode. Their comments referred to the allegations that authorities are investigating in the Philippines.
SNL Weekend Update used allegations against Thomas Markle to satirize the monarchy
Saturday Night Live UK’s “Weekend Update” addressed the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle’s father. Referencing Thomas Markle Sr., co-host Paddy Young made a joke about the allegations and the British royal family.
According to News 24, he said, “In royal news, it’s been a big 24 hours for Meghan Markle, whose dad has been accused of being an alleged pedophile, in another pathetic attempt to win over the British public. In 2025, Thomas Markle moved to the Philippines in a sure sign of his innocence.”
Ania Magliano, who co-hosts the segment, then said, “If the allegations about Meghan Markle’s father are true and he is a pedophile, there is a genuine chance Meghan could be considered royal.”
The joke appeared to reference the controversy surrounding former Prince Andrew. They also appeared to talk about the allegations that have drawn scrutiny of the British royal family. The segment used the comparison to satirize the monarchy rather than establish any facts about Meghan or her father.
Recently, Markle’s half-brother Thomas Markle Jr. alleged that he discovered child sexual abuse imagery at his father’s former home in the Philippines and reported the matter to authorities. Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations.
Meghan previously said she learned of disturbing allegations involving her father after receiving a letter sent to British authorities. She said she was assured that the claims were being investigated and later explained that her estrangement from her father and decision to prevent him from contacting her children were connected to concerns about their safety.
SNL UK used the ongoing controversy as material for its royal family satire. Thus, turning the serious allegations into a joke about Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
