Key Takeaways
- President Donald Trump expressed happiness that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have left the United States and returned to the United Kingdom, stating he would not have welcomed them back if he were part of the royal family.
- Trump criticized the couple for allegedly treating the royal family with “great disrespect,” especially Meghan’s behavior toward Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
- Harry and Meghan’s move back to the UK was unexpected and came shortly after a private family meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla, though the couple has not publicly explained their reasons.
- Trump has a long‑standing pattern of disparaging remarks about the Sussexes, dating back to 2019, including claims that Harry is “whipped” and that Meghan is “terrible.”
- Despite his criticism, Trump said in 2025 that he would not pursue deportation of Harry, arguing that the prince already has enough difficulties with his wife.
Trump’s Reaction to Their Return
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that he is “happy” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have departed the United States and are now residing in the United Kingdom. He added that he is “not a fan” of the couple and asserted that, were he a member of the royal family, he “wouldn’t have taken them back.” Trump’s remarks were delivered alongside a photo of him speaking to the press, underscoring his personal satisfaction with their transatlantic move.
Background on Harry and Meghan’s Departure
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in early 2020 that they would step back from senior royal duties and relocate to California. Their decision followed months of heightened media scrutiny and internal tensions within the royal household. After settling in Montecito, they pursued a series of commercial ventures, including a Netflix production deal and various media appearances, while maintaining a relatively low profile regarding official royal engagements.
Trump’s Past Criticisms of the Sussexes
Trump’s criticism of Harry and Meghan is not new; it dates back to 2019 when he responded to remarks Meghan had made three years earlier labeling him “divisive” and “misogynistic.” In a 2020 tweet, Trump declared that the U.S. would not fund their security, insisting they must cover those costs themselves. He later dismissed a video the couple released encouraging Americans to vote, saying he wished “a lot of luck to Harry, he’s going to need it.” Over the years, Trump has repeatedly characterized Meghan as “terribly disrespectful” to the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, and described Harry as “whipped like no person I think I’ve ever seen.”
Details of Their UK Return
Harry and Meghan returned to the United Kingdom last week, taking up residence at a private property outside London. The move was described as a surprise by royal commentators, given the lingering frostiness between the Sussexes and the broader royal family after their 2020 exit. Buckingham Palace characterized a recent encounter between the couple and King Charles III and Queen Camilla as a private family visit, which occurred roughly one month before their relocation.
Speculation on Motivations for the Move
Neither Harry nor Meghan have publicly disclosed a reason for their return to the UK. A spokesperson told the BBC that the decision “is not something we would comment on.” Observers note that the timing coincides with the couple’s private meeting with the monarch and follows Harry’s solo trip to the UK a year earlier to visit his father. Some analysts suggest the relocation may be motivated by a desire to rebuild familial ties, while others speculate it could be tied to financial or professional considerations tied to their media contracts.
Trump’s Relationship with the British Royals
Throughout his presidency, Trump claimed to have enjoyed a “great” relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022, and expressed respect for King Charles III. He frequently highlighted these personal ties when commenting on the Sussexes, using them as a contrast to what he perceives as the couple’s disrespect. Trump’s remarks often framed his own rapport with the monarchy as evidence that his criticism of Harry and Meghan is rooted in loyalty to the institution rather than personal animus.
Media Ventures and Public Perception
Since leaving royal life, Harry and Meghan have embarked on a variety of media projects, most notably a five‑year, reportedly $100 million deal with Netflix that produced the docuseries “Harry & Meghan.” Other initiatives, such as Meghan’s podcast “Archetypes” and her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan,” received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Despite these setbacks, the couple retains a significant global following, and their public statements continue to spark debate about privacy, press intrusion, and the role of modern royalty.
Implications for the Future
Trump’s latest comments reinforce the ongoing partisan and cultural divide surrounding the Sussexes, positioning him as a vocal critic who believes the couple has harmed the monarchy’s reputation. While Trump has ruled out deporting Harry, his rhetoric suggests he will continue to use the pair as a foil in discussions about American immigration policy, celebrity influence, and transatlantic relations. For Harry and Meghan, the UK return may signal an attempt to recalibrate their public image, though the lingering friction with both the royal family and high‑profile detractors like Trump indicates that their path forward remains contested.