Trump criticized the couple’s treatment of the British royal family during a Thursday Oval Office interview, specifically targeting Meghan’s conduct toward the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
Donald Trump Criticizes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Over Royal Disrespect
During the interview on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Donald Trump told reporters he holds no favorable view of the couple. According to AFP, Trump accused Meghan of showing severe disrespect to the late Queen Elizabeth II and to King Charles III. “I’m glad with that. I’m not a fan of them,” Trump stated in the Oval Office. He added that if he were part of the royal family, he would not have allowed them back into the fold after their departure from official duties.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to California six years ago after stepping back as working royals amid intense family friction. According to statements gathered by BBC from a 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, Meghan expressed that breaking away allowed her to feel more liberated. Conversely, Harry noted that the US afforded his family a degree of privacy and freedom unavailable to them in the United Kingdom, comparing the environment to what his mother, Princess Diana, might have wanted for him.
The Return to the UK and Family Dynamics
British media outlets, including The Telegraph, reported on Wednesday, August 19, that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning to the UK to settle into a private home outside of London. According to these reports, their children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), are enrolled in a British school and are scheduled to begin classes in September. Neither Buckingham Palace nor representatives for Harry and Meghan have issued official statements regarding the relocation.
The family dynamic remains fractured in several areas. While Harry has reportedly worked to mend his relationship with King Charles III—who is currently undergoing cancer treatment—tensions persist with his brother, Prince William, and William’s wife, Catherine, according to multiple news reports. The rift deepened significantly after Harry published his memoir, Spare, and the couple participated in various television interviews and a Netflix documentary criticizing the institution of the monarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave the United States?
According to reports from Deutsche Welle and British media in August 2026, the couple prepared to return to the UK after residing in California for six years.
Where will Prince Harry and Meghan live upon returning to the UK?
According to The Telegraph, the family plans to live in a private home located outside of London rather than a royal residence.
What did Donald Trump say about the couple’s departure?
According to AFP, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, September 3, 2026, that he was glad they left, accusing them of showing disrespect to the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
Are their children starting school in the UK?
Yes, according to media reports, Prince Archie and Putri Lilibet are registered at a British school to begin classes in September.
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