President Donald Trump voiced satisfaction on Wednesday over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocating back to the United Kingdom after six years in California. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump stated he was happy about it
and criticized the couple for showing disrespect to the British monarchy.
Trump Welcomes Sussex Departure From the United States
US President Donald Trump delivered a blunt assessment of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relocation during a question-and-answer session with reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday. Asked about reports that the couple had left California and returned to Britain with their children, the president pulled no punches.
“I’m happy about it. No, I was not a fan.”
Donald Trump, US President, via ANI
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back to the UK last week, bringing to a close a six-year stint in the United States that began when they stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 and settled in California. While the couple has yet to make a public statement regarding their long-term plans, reports indicate they intend to remain for an extended period.
Criticism of the Royal Family and Past Tensions
Trump’s remarks tapped into a long-standing friction between the administration and the Sussexes. The president accused Harry and Meghan of treating the monarchy with great disrespect, singling out Meghan for her conduct toward the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
“I didn’t like the way she acted. I thought she was terribly disrespectful to the Queen, to King Charles.”
Donald Trump, US President, via ANI
Going further, Trump remarked that had he been in the position of the British monarchy, he would not have permitted their return. If I were the royal family, I would not have taken them back,
he told reporters at the White House.
Relations between the couple and the institution deteriorated sharply following their departure in 2020. That tension was amplified by subsequent media projects, including their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry’s memoir Spare
, and their Netflix documentary series. Trump himself has a history of public commentary regarding the couple, having previously criticized Meghan after she made critical remarks labeling him divisive
and misogynistic
.
Ties to the Monarchy and the King Charles Relationship
Trump contrasted his view of the Sussexes with his long-standing warmth toward senior members of the royal family. He recounted a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, and praised King Charles III as a great, great guy
whom he has known for a long period.
King Charles was informed about the decision to return last month, following a private family visit between the King, Queen Camilla, and the Sussex family. Despite the family reunion, palace sources emphasize that Harry and Meghan are returning as non-working royals and will remain private individuals without official duties or a royal residence.
Unresolved Questions Over Security and Living Arrangements
As the family settles into a new routine—with children Archie and Lilibet, who have spent most of their lives in the US—significant logistical questions remain unanswered.
Chief among them is the issue of security. Harry has previously engaged in legal battles over security arrangements. Public figures continue to debate whether British taxpayers will foot the bill for the family’s security detail upon their return.
