Harry Styles Delivers Sharp Joke About Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on SNL After His Arrest
Monologue Highlights Contrast Between Royal Scandal and Celebrity Quiet Period
During his recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, Harry Styles made a pointed remark about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following the latter’s arrest last month. The 32-year-old musician, who returned to the NBC show for a second time after his latest album topped the charts, used the platform to critique the public’s reaction to Andrew’s legal troubles.
Styles opened his monologue by reflecting on his time away from the spotlight, joking that his life had become “tremendously dull.” He contrasted this with Andrew’s recent downfall, suggesting that the royal’s quiet period was preferable to the chaos surrounding his friend Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged misconduct. “When compared to Andrew’s public decline in reputation, my absence feels almost peaceful,” Styles quipped, drawing a clear line between personal boredom and the scrutiny faced by the former prince.
“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.”
The host later mocked the politically correct trends in fan culture, addressing accusations of “queerbaiting” with a playful yet incisive take. “Queerbaiting is when you hint at same-sex relationships without confirming them, aiming to please both LGBTQ+ viewers and traditionalists,” he explained. Styles then wove in a humorous anecdote about his own solo album, Kiss All the Time, before joking about the practice itself.
“Watermelon sugar high, runner’s high. And if that doesn’t do it for you, I also love ecstasy. As a British man who’s spent much of his life in the public eye, I can assure you—there’s something nice about being boring. It’s better than the alternative.”
As Styles spoke, a visual of Andrew being transported in a police car after his arrest appeared on screen. The incident occurred on his 66th birthday, when he was taken into custody from his Wood Farm cottage on the Sandringham Estate. The arrest followed an investigation into his alleged provision of sensitive data to Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing tied to his association with the convicted pedophile.
The comedian also targeted fans who labeled him as “queerbaiting,” referencing past criticism. “Back then, people seemed to focus heavily on the clothes I wore and called me out for something called ‘queerbaiting,’” he recalled. In a dramatic tone, he added: “But did it ever cross your mind that maybe you don’t know everything about me, Dad?”
To wrap the segment, Styles embraced SNL castmate Ben Marshall in a cheeky kiss, then turned to the audience with a wink. “Now that’s queerbaiting,” he declared, referencing his new album title. The moment sparked a playful reaction from the crowd, with Chloe Fineman eagerly stepping forward, only to retreat in disappointment when Styles clarified his stance on the term.
Later, as Styles joked about the benefits of a “tight little bum,” Sarah Sherman joined the stage. He then joked: “Sometimes kissing can be great—especially if you’re really good at it and a good person.” Marshall, catching the reference, responded with a grin: “Where’s my kiss?” Styles replied: “Come on, Ben—everyone knows there’s nothing little about that thang. You’re hauling a damn wagon back there.”
With a final embrace, Styles and Marshall shared a kiss that left the audience in stitches, reinforcing the humor of the situation while keeping the spotlight on both the royal and the pop star’s witty commentary.
