Television presenter Alison Hammond has shared her reaction after the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, performed a spoof of her now-iconic Great British Bake Off moment during an appearance on American television.
The Viral Bake Off Moment Recreated
During a surprise segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Prince Harry mimicked the meme-worthy interaction between Hammond and contestant Mark Lutton from the show's 2024 New Year's Day special. In the original clip, Hammond famously misheard Lutton's request to 'bake for me' as 'beg for me', creating an instantly viral moment of confusion.
Harry's version, a bizarre lip-sync performance alongside host Colbert, was later shared by Meghan Markle on her social media. The clip has since been reshared by Alison Hammond on her own Instagram Story, marking her public response to the unlikely royal spoof.
Baker Mark Lutton Breaks His Silence
The Northern Irish baker at the centre of the original mix-up, Mark Lutton, who is now based in Liverpool, has also reacted to the Duke's antics. He expressed his astonishment, stating: 'Never did I think my mispronunciation would have such an impact.'
Lutton later broke what he called his 'Instagram silence' to share the clip himself, captioning it: 'Breaking my Instagram silence to share this gem!'
Harry's Festive Late Show Appearance
This marked Prince Harry's second appearance on Colbert's show, following his debut in 2023 to promote his memoir, Spare. The latest segment was largely a festive sketch, with Harry joking about auditioning for a fictional Hallmark holiday film titled 'Gingerbread Christmas Prince saves Christmas in Nebraska'.
During the skit, artificial snow fell as Harry quipped about being a 'handsome prince' and how Colbert just 'had to believe'. He later boasted about the showbiz connections he has through his wife, Meghan, and claimed he would 'do anything' for a role, mentioning he could ride a horse and fly a helicopter.
However, the appearance was not without its awkward moments. Prince Harry also took aim at former President Donald Trump, referencing 'No Kings' protests and claiming those in the US are 'obsessed with royalty'. This prompted some boos from the studio audience. He further criticised CBS for its decision to pay $16 million (£13.5m) to settle a legal dispute with Trump.
Colbert concluded the sketch by awarding Harry the role of 'official Late Show prince of Christmas', which was met with cheers from the crowd.
Personal Context Amidst the Levity
The jolly television appearance came as the Daily Mail revealed that Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, is in intensive care in the Philippines following emergency surgery. The 81-year-old was rushed to hospital on Tuesday, underwent a three-hour procedure on Wednesday, and faces a second surgery to remove a blood clot.
Neither Harry nor Meghan have publicly commented on the health of Thomas Markle, from whom Meghan has been estranged since 2018. He has never met his son-in-law or his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
