Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his sentiments regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, asserting that he is pleased with their return to the United Kingdom after an extended period in California. In remarks made to reporters, Trump stated that he has never been a supporter of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, openly criticising their treatment of the British royal family.
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On September 2, Trump revealed his thoughts on the couple’s relocation, saying, “I was not a fan,” and adding that he would have preferred they weren’t welcomed back. His criticisms were not limited to their actions but also extended to Meghan’s treatment of the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
“I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the way she acted,” Trump remarked. He went on to describe Meghan’s behaviour towards the royal family as “terribly disrespectful,” indicating he disagreed with the royal family’s decision to allow the couple back into the fold. “Frankly, if I were the royal family, I would not have taken them back,” he said, underlining his strong views.
Trump has a long history of expressing his opinions about the Sussexes, particularly Meghan. In 2019, he labelled her as “nasty,” a comment he later attempted to deny. Meghan had previously spoken out about Trump during his presidential campaign in 2016, describing him as “misogynistic” and “divisive.” Upon learning of Meghan’s comments years later, Trump seemed unfazed, stating that he was unaware of her derogatory remarks.
The former president also took the opportunity to reflect on his relationship with the British royal family. He indicated that he enjoyed a “very good relationship” with Queen Elizabeth II and has known King Charles for many years, calling him a “great, great guy.”
During a recent interview with royal biographer Robert Hardman, Trump was eager to discuss the complexities of the royal family, including the ongoing tensions between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William. When Hardman suggested that Harry may struggle to fully reintegrate into royal life, Trump seemed to attribute the challenges to Meghan, stating, “That wife of his. Boy, what she’s done to that guy… I guess she got blocked out by William’s wife.”
Trump’s comments come as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prepare to settle into their new life in the UK. The couple, along with their children—Prince Archie, aged seven, and Princess Lilibet, aged five—returned to England on August 26. They plan to establish a private residence for themselves and do not intend to resume royal duties, having previously agreed with the late Queen that they would remain non-working members of the royal family.
Despite Trump’s criticisms, the couple’s move appears to have been received well by some within the royal family. Reports suggest that King Charles was supportive of their plans and welcomed the chance to spend more time with them in a non-official capacity.
The relocation to the UK does not signify a return to royal engagements for Meghan and Harry. Rather, it is a continuation of their journey as they seek to balance familial ties while maintaining their independence from royal responsibilities. The family will still keep their home in California, along with a holiday property in Portugal.
As public interest continues to swirl around the Sussexes and their relationship with the royal family, Trump’s remarks add another layer to the ongoing narrative of celebrity and royalty. For now, it seems that Meghan and Harry are focused on their family life in the UK, setting up for a new chapter while navigating the complexities of familial relationships and public perception.