US President Donald Trump has said he is “happy” that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have left the United States and relocated to Britain, while strongly criticizing the couple over their treatment of the royal family.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said he was not a fan of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and claimed that they had shown “great disrespect” toward the British royal family.
“I am happy about it. I was not a fan,” Trump said when asked about Harry and Meghan’s recent move from California after spending around six years in the United States.
The couple returned to Britain at the end of August with their two children. Harry and Meghan had moved to the US in 2020 after stepping back from their official royal duties.
Trump Criticizes Harry and Meghan
Trump said he believed the couple had treated members of the royal family disrespectfully.
“I thought they treated the royal family with great disrespect. I didn’t like it,” the US president said.
He also referred to his relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Trump separately directed criticism toward Meghan, saying he disliked the way she behaved and describing her as “terribly disrespectful.”
His comments add to a long-running public debate surrounding Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royal family and their decision to establish a life outside Britain.
Harry and Meghan Left Royal Duties in 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 before relocating to California.
Following their move, the couple spoke publicly about their experiences within the royal institution.
During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry discussed what he described as a lack of support from members of the royal family. Meghan also spoke about concerns that were allegedly raised within the royal household regarding the potential skin colour of her unborn child.
The comments generated widespread international attention and prompted a major debate about race, royal traditions and the treatment of Meghan within the institution.
Prince William rejected accusations of racism against the royal family at the time, saying that the family was not racist.
Harry also cited intense media scrutiny and concerns over security for his family among the reasons behind their decision to move to the United States.
Family Expected to Remain Non-Working Royals
Despite their return to Britain, Harry and Meghan are expected to remain non-working members of the royal family.
The couple is reportedly planning to spend an extended period living somewhere outside London with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Their children are also expected to attend school in Britain, marking a significant development as Harry and Meghan continue to balance their lives between the UK and the United States.
A person close to the couple previously indicated that the family was preparing for a longer stay in Britain. The precise reasons behind the move remain unclear.
Harry has previously spoken about his desire for his children to spend more time in Britain and maintain a connection with the country where he grew up.
Trump Says He Would Not Have Taken Them Back
Trump went further in his criticism by saying that he would not have welcomed Harry and Meghan back if he were in the position of the royal family.
“If I were the royal family, I would not have taken them back,” Trump said.
The comments come as the Sussexes begin another chapter of their lives in Britain, where their relationship with the royal family remains a subject of considerable public interest.
While Harry and Meghan have continued their independent work since leaving royal duties, their return to Britain with their children could bring renewed attention to their relationship with other members of the royal household.
For now, the couple is expected to continue living as non-working royals while maintaining their charitable, media and other independent activities.
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