Former US President Donald Trump has stated that he holds an unfavourable view of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, expressing satisfaction that the couple have departed from the United States.
The American leader suggested the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had demonstrated considerable disrespect towards the British monarchy and indicated that, had he been a member of the royal family, he would not have reinstated them.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, arrived back in Britain during the previous week to commence a fresh chapter following their six-year residence across the Atlantic.
Sources indicate the family intends to remain in the United Kingdom for a substantial duration, with uncertainty surrounding their precise timeline and residential plans, though Oxfordshire’s Cotswolds region has emerged as the most probable location.
When questioned at the White House regarding his perspective on the couple’s relocation away from America, Mr Trump responded with approval of their departure and confirmed his lack of enthusiasm for the pair.
He elaborated that his interactions with the late Queen Elizabeth had been positive, describing her as someone he had come to know quite well.
Regarding the current monarch, Mr Trump noted his long-standing acquaintance with King Charles, initially as Prince Charles, characterising him favourably.
The former president expressed his view that the couple had conducted themselves inappropriately towards the royal household, stating his disapproval of their conduct.
He voiced particular criticism regarding Meghan’s behaviour, describing it as markedly disrespectful toward both the former Queen and the present King.
Mr Trump further declared that, from his perspective, readmission to the royal family would not have been warranted under such circumstances.
Harry and Meghan retain their status as non-working members of the royal family, having distanced themselves from official duties six years ago and subsequently relocating to America, where they offered critical commentary about various family members and the institution itself.
The couple’s unexpected reversal of their transatlantic move became public knowledge the previous month, though they have remained silent publicly about their specific intentions, with reports suggesting a potential move to the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire.
Significant uncertainties persist, particularly regarding the potential financial responsibility of British taxpayers for the family’s security provision.
Prince Harry, who previously served in the British military in Afghanistan, corresponded with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood during the previous month, requesting her direct involvement in decisions pertaining to whether his family would receive close protection from police officers.
Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, when serving as Prime Minister, declined to specify details concerning the Sussexes’ protective arrangements, maintaining that the funding represented a confidential matter.
Harry had maintained that the security provision he was entitled to following the couple’s initial departure proved insufficient to guarantee the safety of his wife and children during visits to Britain.
Official sources indicate that a minimum of six specific threats or planned attacks targeting the duke have been recorded since 2007, originating from the Taliban, al Qaida, or affiliated organisations.
During the previous year, a legal challenge mounted by Prince Harry against the Home Office regarding his and his family’s security arrangements in Britain proved unsuccessful, occurring after his protective status diminished following his withdrawal from official royal duties.
Harry has contended that he confronts elevated dangers compared to his deceased mother, citing what he described as compounding factors involving racial prejudice and extremist hostility.