23 February 2023 , 11:14
939
0
The controversial South Park episode poking fun at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lampoons many aspects of their new lives in America.
But one slightly more subtle yet savage joke sees the show allude to a feud between Meghan and the former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex weren't named directly in the episode, instead, their cartoon versions were under the guise of the fictional Prince and Princess of Canada.
On the profile for the fictional princess, it listed her interests as yoga, calligraphy, cuisine, writing, lifestyle, advocating, acting, blogging and feminism.
The fictional Harry and Meghan in an episode of South Park (Comedy Central)But they managed to slip in some very cheeky ones, including 'lawyer pretending' and 'First Lady Botherer'. The former is obviously a reference to the former actress being in Suits, while the latter is the insinuation she is bothering Michelle.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
Many believe this refers to Meghan and Michelle but what might have sparked the South Park creators to write the joke? Here we take a look...
Early bond
Harry with Michelle Obama at the opening of the Invictus Games in Orlando in 2016 (Chris Jackson Collection)It is actually Harry who has the longer bond with the Obamas - with his bond with former president Barack and wife Michelle starting way back before he wed Meghan.
He visited them during their time in the White House in both 2013 and 2015 and in 2016, he welcomed the couple to Kensington Palace during a visit to the UK alongside the now Prince and Princess of Wales.
It is said they bonded over Harry's Invictus Games - a sporting event for injured servicemen and women.
And Harry appeared in an amusing video to promote the games with the Obamas and even persuaded the Queen to star in it.
A year later, Harry also joined Michelle during a visit to a school in Chicago and interviewed Barack when he guest-edited the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. In the interview, the pair talked about the dangers of social media.
Power meeting
Meghan pictured last year in the aftermath of the Queen's death (PA)
Michelle Obama discussing her autobiography in 2019 (Getty Images)When Harry and Meghan wed in 2018, the Obamas did not attend their wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
But months later, Meghan was said to have had a 'power meeting' with Michelle in London as the former first lady promoted her autobiography, Becoming.
She made a secret visit to London's Southbank Centre to watch a talk by Michelle with the pair reportedly having a "long private audience" afterwards.
A friend told the Evening Standard : "They spoke at length about the importance of supporting and empowering women across all cultures and communities.
Kate rules out receiving romantic gift from Prince William on Valentine's Day
"They also talked about shared experiences of pregnancy and raising children, plus shared causes including girls’ education."
Stark warning
Michelle is said to have had a power meeting with Meghan (ITV)However, according to the book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors by Tom Bower, Michelle was "alarmed" by Meghan's attitude when she was attempting to find her royal role.
The book says the former first lady said in an interview about Meghan: "Take some time and don’t be in a hurry to do anything."
Bower adds: "In a warning note, she added: 'Like me, Meghan probably never dreamt she’d have a life like this; no-deal, the pressure you feel can sometimes feel like a lot.’
"Meghan, Obama suggested, should be reasonable: 'What I’d say is that there’s so much opportunity to do good with a platform like that and I think Meghan can maximise her impact for others, as well her own happiness, if she’s doing something that resonates with her personally'."
Touching praise
Harry and Meghan in South Africa in 2019 (Getty Images)But despite the supposed warning after their meeting in London, Meghan and Michelle's friendship clearly blossomed.
That's because months later, the former first lady shared a touching Instagram post where she described Meghan as an "inspiration" and a "thoughtful leader".
Posting an image of the Duchess as she attended a reception for Young People at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Cape Town, Michelle wrote: "Thank you to my friend, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex, a thoughtful leader who is breaking the mold and making our world better for it.
"Whether meeting with our leaders or helping girls around the world seek the education they deserve, she is an inspiration to so many."
In 2019, Meghan also interviewed Michelle when she guest-edited British Vogue and described her as "an "endearingly frank, down-to-earth" person.
Oprah aftermath
Harry and Meghan during their interview with Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese v)One mutual friend that the couples seem to have in common is Oprah Winfrey.
The Obamas have given many interviews to the chat show host over the years and last year, Harry and Meghan made several bombshell claims in their tell-all with Oprah.
During the interview, Harry and Meghan alleged that an unspecified member of the family had raised concerns over how dark their son Archie's skin tone might be.
In an interview with NBC, Mrs Obama was asked what she thought of Meghan telling Oprah she had "experienced racism".
She said: "The thing I hope for and the thing that think about is that this is first and foremost is a family and I pray for forgiveness and healing for them so they can use this as a teachable moment for us all."
Birthday snub?
Barack and Michelle Obama with the late Queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace in 2009 (PA)However, in August 2021, reports surfaced that Harry and Meghan had been snubbed after they were not spotted at Barack's star-studded 60th birthday party last year.
The former president's glitzy party in Martha's Vineyard attracted A-list guests such as Jay-Z and Beyonce.
It's unclear if Harry and Meghan were not invited, or simply were unable to attend
But royal insiders suggested the former presidential couple were being cautious about appearing friendly with Harry and Meghan due to concerns about public image and out of respect for the late Queen - who they were known to greatly admire.
Harry's well-publicised attacks on his royal relatives soured the Obama's opinion of the couple, according to an article written by royal expert Camilla Tominey in the Telegraph.
Camilla said: "It arguably will not have gone down well with a couple who have always put 'family first' to see Harry and Meghan being so openly critical of their royal relatives during their Oprah interview in March."
Meanwhile, an insider told her: "The Obamas didn’t like Harry attacking his family. They value family and certainly aren’t the type of people who would want their children talking to the press."