Donald Trump Slams Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Over UK Return

Oval Office Press Conference

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the U.S. president offered blunt criticism of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. “I’m happy about it. I was not a fan,” Trump said during a question-and-answer session following a press conference with travel executives.

Criticism of the Sussexes

Trump asserted that the couple treated the British royal family with great disrespect. “I didn’t like it,” he said, adding that if he were in the position of the royal family, he would not have taken them back.

The comments arrive as Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, settle back in Britain following a six-year stay in the United States, where they lived in California, after stepping down from their official working roles within the royal family in 2020.

Ties to the Monarchy

During his remarks, Trump contrasted his view of the couple with his positive assessment of other senior members of the British monarchy. The president highlighted his longstanding relationship with Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles.

“I had a very good relationship with the queen, really good,” Trump said, noting that he got to know her very well. He described King Charles as a great guy whom he has known for a long time, dating back to when Charles held the title of Prince Charles.

Childhood Memories and the Queen

Trump traces his admiration for the British royal family back to a childhood memory of watching Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on television in 1953 alongside his mother, Mary Anne Trump. He characterized the late monarch as a great woman who “really never made a mistake” during her decades on the throne.

Long-Term Plans and Security

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK last week. They have not yet made public statements regarding their long-term plans, though reports indicate they intend to remain in Britain for an extended period.

King Charles is reportedly looking forward to spending personal time with the duke and duchess. However, the couple will remain private individuals and will not be offered a partial return to royal duties, following a firm boundary established by Queen Elizabeth II against a “half-in, half-out” arrangement.

Questions remain regarding logistics following the family’s relocation, including how the security detail for the duke and duchess will be funded now that they are back in the United Kingdom.