Donald Trump has expressed public support for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their move back to Britain after living in California since 2020, stating he was “happy about it” while criticizing the couple’s past treatment of the royal family, according to statements reported by the primary source and the Daily Mail.
Trump Weighs In on Sussex Return to UK
Speaking to reporters during a question-and-answer session after a press conference with travel executives, President Donald Trump addressed the return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK after a six-year absence. “I was not a fan,” Trump said, according to the primary source. “I had a very good relationship with the queen, really good. I got to know her very well. A really good relationship with King Charles – I knew him as Prince Charles and King Charles. I’ve known him for a long time.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(986x183:988x185)/president-donald-trump-main-033125-5875db75918d4d92b8c319d1e26298bc.jpg "Trump Reacts to Harry and Meghan's UK Return")
Describing King Charles as a “great, great guy,” Trump stated that he believed Harry and Meghan “treated the royal family with great disrespect.” The Daily Mail reported that Trump added, “I didn’t like the way she acted,” referring to Meghan’s behavior and the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties. “I don’t know, maybe I’m different. I wouldn’t have taken them back,” Trump told reporters, according to the same coverage. “If I were the royal family, I would not have taken them back.”
Living Arrangements and Family Plans
The couple flew into the country on August 26, according to the Daily Mail, and informed King Charles last month of their relocation alongside their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, who are slated to begin school in the UK. The family is reportedly staying for an “extended period,” though they have not yet spoken publicly about their long-term plans or exact housing arrangements. The Daily Mail noted that the family has been eyeing a home in the Cotswolds.
Despite the move, the Sussexes are not severing their ties to the United States entirely. According to the Daily Mail, they plan to keep their home in Montecito, California, as well as a separate vacation property in Portugal. While the duke and duchess previously gave up their official royal duties and will remain private individuals, the primary source noted that King Charles is reportedly looking forward to spending more time with them in a personal capacity. Queen Elizabeth II previously firmed up the stance that the couple would not be offered a “half-in half-out” option.
Did You Know?
President Trump’s admiration for the British royal family dates back to his childhood, when he watched Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on television in 1953 alongside his mother, Mary Anne Trump, who was born in Scotland, according to the primary source.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The Daily Mail reported that some figures in Trump’s orbit mocked the relocation following reports suggesting the decision was influenced by views of the current administration. Katie Miller, wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, posted on social media that the couple was moving back because they dislike President Trump. Conservative personality Megyn Kelly also commented on the move via X in response to commentary about the reversal of “Megxit,” according to the Daily Mail.
Friends of the couple offered different perspectives on the motivation behind the move. Alex Rayner, a friend of Prince Harry who accompanied him on a 2011 charity trek to the North Pole, told the Daily Mail that “Harry never fell out of love with Britain – he fell out of love with the circumstances he found himself living in.” Another friend told the Daily Mail that the decision was mutual, stating, “I hear that Meghan is all for rekindling with and reconnecting with Harry’s English side.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return to the UK?
- According to the Daily Mail, the couple flew into the UK on August 26, six years after moving to California in 2020.
- By what authority was the “half-in half-out” option rejected?
- The primary source notes that the “half-in half-out” option for royal duties was firmly rejected by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Are the Sussexes selling their home in California?
- No. According to the Daily Mail, they plan to keep their home in Montecito, California, as well as a vacation property in Portugal.
- What unanswered questions remain about their return?
- According to the primary source, questions remain regarding whether British taxpayers will fund the security detail for the duke and duchess following their return.
What are your thoughts on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returning to the UK? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
Worth a look