In a masterclass of political satire that has set the internet ablaze, Stephen Colbert has turned his razor-sharp wit towards Prince Andrew, delivering a monologue that many are calling the definitive takedown of the disgraced royal.
The Late Show host dedicated a significant portion of his programme to analysing the Duke of York's now-infamous BBC Newsnight interview, where the prince attempted to distance himself from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Colbert's segment has since gone viral, capturing the public's frustration with Andrew's perceived lack of accountability.
The Interview That Keeps on Giving
Colbert focused on what he termed the "breathtaking lack of self-awareness" displayed by Prince Andrew during his conversation with Emily Maitlis. With surgical precision, the comedian dissected the royal's most controversial statements, particularly his claim that visiting Epstein's home was "the honourable thing to do."
"The honourable thing?" Colbert repeated with mock incredulity. "Because when I think of honour, I immediately think: 'I should probably go see my friend who's a convicted sex offender.' That's just basic etiquette."
Questionable Explanations Under Fire
The host saved particular scorn for Andrew's now-legendary pizza alibi, where the prince claimed he was at a Woking branch of Pizza Express on the night he allegedly had sex with Virginia Giuffre, then 17.
"He remembers specifically it was a Pizza Express in Woking," Colbert noted with exaggerated seriousness. "Because nothing says 'I have a normal memory' like being able to recall the specific franchise location of a pizza you ate 20 years ago, while somehow forgetting whether you ever met your accuser."
Sweating Through the Truth
Colbert also tackled Andrew's medically dubious claim that he cannot sweat due to a condition brought on by an "adrenaline overdose" during his Falklands War service.
"He can't sweat," the host deadpanned. "Which is convenient, because I imagine there were several moments during that interview where most people would be sweating like they were in a sauna wearing a wool suit."
The comedian suggested the prince might have developed a "new, previously unknown medical condition" that prevents him from appearing sympathetic during television interviews.
A Legacy of Poor Choices
Beyond the immediate fallout from the interview, Colbert highlighted the deeper pattern of behaviour that has plagued Andrew's public life. The host questioned the wisdom of maintaining a friendship with a convicted sex offender long after his initial conviction, suggesting this reflected profoundly poor judgement for a senior royal.
The segment has resonated with viewers on both sides of the Atlantic, with many praising Colbert for articulating the public's collective frustration with the royal's explanations. In the age of viral content, comedy has once again proven to be one of the most effective tools for holding power to account.
