Graham Norton shocks audience with Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew jokes

TV host addressed the couple's royal resignation in the first show of 2020

The Graham Norton Show returned for the first episode of 2020, with a particularly raucous sofa featuring Call the Midwife star Miriam Margolyes, Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Cumming and Sharon Hogan.

The TV host opened the show with his usual round of jokes about current topics, this time choosing to take aim at the ongoing furore surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced this week in an unprecedented decision that, in addition to stepping away from royal life, they would be pursuing financial independence and split their time between North America and the United Kingdom.

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the couple said on Instagram.

“We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to support Her Majesty The Queen."

Norton addressed the couple's decision in his intro, beginning with how some people come back after Christmas and "tell their boss to stick it", showing a picture of Harry and Meghan.

"In fairness, people have been expecting this from Meghan for a while," Norton said. "You win the lottery, then you quit."

He went on to note how the couple had just spent £2.4 million of public money refurbishing Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

"One of the reasons they wanted to leave the UK is the treatment they got from the press," he explained. "And you can't blame them..."

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He then showed a photo of Meghan that drew attention from the tabloid press because of a small sweat patch under her arm.

"Come on, you should be celebrating," Norton said. "At least one member of the royal family can actually sweat!"

Norton was referring to Prince Andrew's now-infamous claim that he is physically incapable of sweating.

Later on The Graham Norton Show, Miriam Margolyes had her fellow guests and viewers in stitches for outrageous comments about foreskin.