Sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” roasted the Royal family’s viral Christmas photo after Prince William and Kate Middleton were accused on social media of failing to properly photoshop their family’s Christmas card where Prince Louis seemingly had a missing finger.
“SNL” used a Meghan Markle joke during the sketch, saying she could lend the royals a “finger” if they need one. The Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly reacted to the alleged Photoshop, with a report claiming that the duo were “embarrassed” by it.
‘SNL’ Mocks Prince William & Kate Middleton With Meghan Markle Joke
“Saturday Night Live” blatantly mocked Prince William and Kate Middleton’s family photo for their 2023 Christmas card. This comes after multiple fans pointed out that five-year-old Prince Louis was missing a middle finger in the family photo.
During the show on Saturday, “Weekend Update” co-anchor Colin Jost hosted the news segment and joked about the bizarre photo. He said, “A Christmas photo released by the royal family features a bad Photoshop job where Prince Louis’ finger appears to be missing.”
The comedian proceeded to display a photoshopped image of Meghan Markle with her middle finger up. Jost then said, “And this is sweet. Meghan Markle said she has a finger they can use if they need it.” The joke was received with loud laughter from the studio audience, drawing Jost’s grin.
Prince William & Kate Middleton’s Family Christmas Photo Was Revealed Last Week
The “SNL” sketch comes one week after the release of the family photo by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The couple posted the black and white image of them and their three kids, George, Charlotte, and Louis, on Instagram with the caption, “Our family Christmas card for 2023.”
The family also released a statement saying they were “very pleased to share a new photograph of their family.” However, shortly after its release, social media users on X, formerly known as Twitter, discovered Louis’ missing middle finger.
Our family Christmas card for 2023 🎄❤️
📸 Josh Shinner pic.twitter.com/X9du9EkpaI
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 9, 2023
One comment read, “Louis is missing a finger, this has got to be the worst photoshopped pic ever.” Another person wrote, “Prince Louis finger is missing. Also, they have photoshopped someone else’s leg onto his. I certainly hope taxpayers didn’t pay for it.”
Despite the Photoshop allegations, there’s the possibility that Prince Louis simply bent his middle finger, causing the illusion of it being missing. The young Royal is known for his mischievous character and pranks at various Royal events. As recently as Friday, Louis blew out Charlotte’s candle while they attended Kate’s annual Christmas carol concert.
Prince Williams & Kate Middleton Are ‘Embarrassed’ By The Photoshop Fail
A source close to William and Kate spoke to Us Weekly about how the couple reacted to the Photoshop claims and criticism of their Christmas card.
They said the duo were “embarrassed” by the missing finger and were just “as shocked as everyone else” when fans noticed the error on Louis’ hand.
Photographer Josh Shinner also reflected on the shoot for the family photo on Instagram. His post read, “It was such a pleasure to photograph The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family for the Christmas portrait this year.”
His statement continued, “Without doubt one of the most relaxed and enjoyable sittings I’ve ever had, and I now have a whole new set of jokes that are right on my level thanks to the children.”
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Christmas Card
Shortly after William and Kate got slammed for their festive card, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, released theirs.
The couple’s Christmas card featured a stunning photo of them clapping and smiling during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games, held in September in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reveal their 2023 Christmas Card 🎄 pic.twitter.com/6SdXjMjlK9
— Emily Ferguson (@emsferg) December 15, 2023
Harry and Meghan’s card had an elegance to it as it featured a beautiful green background with the words, “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke & Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions, and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season. Thanks for all the support in 2023.”
Noticeably absent from the Christmas card were Prince Archie and Princess Lilibert. This is very similar to Harry and Meghan’s 2022 Christmas card, which also did not feature their kids.
Like Harry and Meghan, King Charles III and Queen Camilla did not take a new picture for their Christmas card. Instead, they opted for an old photo from Charles’ coronation ceremony.