President Donald Trump used a brief press interaction on Wednesday to underscore his personal rapport with the British crown and to voice disapproval of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to relocate to the United Kingdom. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump smiled and said he was “happy” about the Sussexes’ move, noting that their recent departure from the United States reflected a lack of respect for the royal family.
Long‑standing friendship with the monarchy
“I had a very good relationship with the queen. Really good. I got to know her very well,” Trump told reporters, recalling his many encounters with the late Queen Elizabeth II during his previous visits to Britain. He added that his connection with the current monarch, King Charles III, runs deep as well, describing the king as “a great, great guy” and emphasizing the “really good relationship” he maintains with the British head of state.
Critique of the Sussexes’ conduct
When asked about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plan to return to Britain for an extended stay, Trump did not mince words. “And I thought they treated the royal family with great disrespect,” he said, adding that he “didn’t like the way they acted” and that Meghan Markle was “terribly disrespectful to the queen, to King Charles.” The president concluded, “I wouldn’t have taken them back. Frankly, if I were the royal family, I wouldn’t have taken them back.”
Context of the Sussexes’ move
Harry and Meghan announced last month that they would move their family back to the United Kingdom after a decade of residence in California. Their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are enrolled in British schools and are set to begin classes in September. The couple plans to live in a private, non‑royal residence outside London while retaining their California home. Their arrival at Birmingham International Airport on Wednesday marked the first public appearance of the family since the announcement.
Past tensions with the former first lady
Trump’s remarks echo earlier criticisms of Meghan Markle. In 2019, he called her “nasty” after learning she had once described him as “divisive” during his first campaign. The president has also previously dismissed speculation that he might consider deporting the duke, noting that “he’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”
Royal family’s stance
Harry and Meghan remain non‑working members of the royal family, and their relocation does not signal a return to official duties. The move appears driven by personal considerations, including their children’s education and a desire for a more private lifestyle away from the intense scrutiny of the U.K. media.
Trump’s comments highlight his continued engagement with international leaders and his willingness to speak candidly about public figures, reinforcing his reputation as a president who speaks his mind and values personal relationships built on mutual respect.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
