Harry Styles Targets Prince Andrew in Scathing SNL Monologue
The singer Harry Styles delivered a pointed critique of Prince Andrew during his recent Saturday Night Live hosting appearance, capitalising on the royal's dramatic public downfall. Styles, aged 32, returned to front the NBC show for a second time, following the chart-topping success of his fourth studio album.
Styles Contrasts His 'Boring' Life with Andrew's Scandal
During his opening monologue, Styles humorously referenced his own lengthy absence from the spotlight, quipping that he had become 'tremendously boring'. He then sharply contrasted this with Prince Andrew's very public disgrace, suggesting that being dull was preferable to the alternative. At this moment, an image of Andrew in the back of a police car following his arrest was displayed on screen.
Styles elaborated on his mundane pursuits, stating: 'I took up jogging. There's nothing interesting about that. But because I'm me, people pretend to find that interesting. I don't run to be interesting. I do it for the feeling it gives me, that runner's high. It's just amazing.' He added, 'Watermelon sugar high, runner's high. And if that doesn't do it for you, I also love ecstasy. As a British man who spent a lot of his life in the public eye, I can assure you, there's something nice about being boring. It's better than the alternative.'
Prince Andrew's Arrest and Ongoing Scandal
Prince Andrew, the eighth-in-line to the throne, was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. The allegations centre on claims that he provided convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein with sensitive information during his tenure as a UK trade envoy. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to his friendship with Epstein.
Following his eviction from the Royal Lodge due to his Epstein links, police took Andrew into custody from his cottage at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate on his 66th birthday. He spent approximately ten hours at Aylsham Police Station before being released shortly before 7pm. The scandal has led to him losing his royal titles, and there is speculation that the UK Government may introduce legislation to remove him from the line of succession.
Styles Addresses Queerbaiting Accusations Head-On
During the same monologue, Styles also confronted accusations of 'queerbaiting' from some fans. Queerbaiting refers to a marketing tactic where hints of same-sex relationships are suggested without confirmation, aiming to attract LGBTQ+ audiences without alienating homophobic viewers.
The pop star reflected on his previous SNL hosting stint in 2019, saying: 'Back then, people seemed to pay a lot of attention to the clothes I was wearing and some people accused me of something called "queerbaiting."' He then added in a comically exaggerated tone: 'But did it ever occur to you that maybe you don't know everything about me, Dad?'
A Climactic Kiss and Playful Banter
The monologue concluded with a flirty segment about Styles' new solo album, humorously titled 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.' He expressed his love for the title, asking, 'what's better than kissing all the time?' This prompted SNL cast member Chloe Fineman to bound hopefully onstage, only to be disappointed as Styles clarified he doesn't actually want to kiss constantly.
Another cast member, Sarah Sherman, then appeared as Styles remarked that 'sometimes kissing can be great,' but she too left abashed when he added qualifications. The interaction escalated when Styles mentioned, 'Or if you have a tight little bum,' leading to cast member Ben Marshall strolling onstage.
After some playful banter where Styles complimented Marshall's physique, the singer drew Marshall in and planted a kiss on his lips, driving the audience wild. Styles then turned to the camera, winked, and declared: 'Now that's queerbaiting.'
