Northern Irish baker Mark Lutton has broken his social media silence with a bemused reaction after Prince Harry recreated his infamous television exchange on a major US talk show.
Harry's 'Cringeworthy' Bake Off Impersonation
The Duke of Sussex made a surprise appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he participated in a bizarre skit. The segment saw Harry lip-syncing to the now-meme-worthy moment from the 2024 New Year's Day special of The Great British Bake Off.
In the original clip, presenter Alison Hammond hilariously misunderstood contestant Mark Lutton, thinking he told her to 'beg for me'. Prince Harry and host Stephen Colbert, a noted critic of the Royal Family, re-enacted the awkward scene, which was later shared by Meghan Markle on her social media.
'Never Did I Think': Lutton's Viral Impact
Mark Lutton, the baker from the 2020 series of Bake Off who is now based in Liverpool, responded to the royal impersonation. He stated: 'Never did I think my mispronunciation would have such an impact.'
He later shared the clip from the US show on his own Instagram account, writing: 'Breaking my Instagram silence to share this gem!' This marked the second time Prince Harry has appeared on Colbert's show, following a 2023 interview promoting his memoir, Spare.
Festive Skits and Political Jabs
The bulk of Harry's latest appearance centred on a Christmas-themed sketch. He wandered the studio, joking about auditioning for a film called 'Gingerbread Christmas Prince saves Christmas in Nebraska'. During the bit, artificial snow fell as Harry quipped about being a 'handsome prince'.
However, the segment also included pointed political humour. Harry took aim at former President Donald Trump, referencing 'No Kings' protests and claiming Americans are 'obsessed with royalty'. Colbert's audience reportedly booed after Harry suggested America had 'elected a king'. Awkward jokes were also made about CBS's decision to pay $16 million (£13.5m) to settle a legal dispute with Trump.
The light-hearted television appearance came as the Daily Mail reported that Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, is in intensive care in the Philippines following emergency surgery. The 81-year-old, who has never met his son-in-law or his grandchildren, underwent a three-hour procedure and faces a second operation to remove a blood clot. Neither Harry nor Meghan have publicly commented on his health. The former lighting director has been estranged from his daughter since 2018 and has suffered serious health issues, including heart attacks before the royal wedding and a stroke in 2022.
