US President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, taking aim at the couple over their strained relationship with the Royal Family and accusing them of treating Prince William particularly badly.
Trump said he would not have welcomed the Sussexes back into the fold, arguing that the damage caused by years of public disagreements, interviews and Harry’s memoir had gone too far.
He also suggested that Meghan had played a major role in the deterioration of Harry’s relationship with his family.
President Says He Would Have Cut Ties With Harry
Speaking to GB News host Bev Turner, Trump was asked about King Charles appearing to extend an olive branch to Harry and Meghan despite the longstanding family tensions.
The President said the King’s willingness to reconnect with his son demonstrated Charles’s character, but made clear that he would have taken a very different approach.
Trump said there had been “too much hate” and “too many really bad things”, adding that he personally would have told the couple to forget about any reconciliation.
He went even further by saying he would have “never spoken” to Harry again under the circumstances.
William Becomes Central to Trump’s Criticism
Trump also focused on Harry’s relationship with his elder brother, Prince William, describing the way Harry had spoken about him as particularly troubling.
The President referred to Harry’s memoir, Spare, and characterised its treatment of William as “very terrible”.
He argued that the allegations and revelations contained in the book were sufficient reason for him to permanently sever contact.
Trump’s comments appeared to suggest that William would be justified in maintaining his distance from his younger brother.
Meghan Blamed for Harry’s Changing Relationship With His Family
While criticising Harry directly, Trump placed considerable emphasis on Meghan’s influence over the Duke.
He described the Duchess as a “horrible influence” and accused her of contributing to the breakdown between Harry and other members of the Royal Family.
Trump has previously been openly critical of Meghan, saying he believed she had shown serious disrespect towards both the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles when she and Harry stepped back from their senior royal responsibilities.
Trump Praises King Charles for Offering an Olive Branch
Despite his criticism of the Sussexes, Trump spoke warmly about King Charles, describing the monarch as a friend and praising him for his handling of the family dispute.
Trump said Charles was “a much better person than I am” because he had been prepared to engage with Harry and Meghan despite everything that had happened.
The President also recalled the King’s recent visit to the United States, saying Charles had been warmly received by Americans and praising his conduct during the visit.
Trump added that Charles had demonstrated considerable bravery while dealing with a difficult health situation.
Sussexes Have Returned to Britain After Six Years
Trump’s comments come shortly after Harry and Meghan returned to Britain with their children following years of establishing their life in California.
The Sussexes reportedly arrived in the UK on August 26 and are expected to remain for an extended period.
Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are also expected to begin school in Britain.
The family is understood to be considering a property in the Cotswolds while retaining their Montecito home and a separate property in Portugal.
The Couple’s Return Has Triggered Political Debate
Their decision to spend more time in Britain has also attracted political commentary in the United States, particularly because of the couple’s previously reported dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.
Some figures associated with Trump’s political circle have openly mocked the move, suggesting that opposition to the President influenced the Sussexes’ decision.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly also weighed in online, joking about the apparent reversal of the decision Harry and Meghan made when they left royal duties and moved to North America.
Harry’s Friends Say Britain Has Always Mattered to Him
People close to Harry have offered a different explanation for the family’s return, arguing that his decision to leave Britain years ago did not mean he had stopped caring about his home country.
Harry’s friend Alex Rayner said the Duke had not fallen out of love with Britain, but rather had become unhappy with the circumstances surrounding his life there.
Another source suggested that the desire to reconnect with Harry’s British family and heritage was shared by Meghan, describing her as supportive of rebuilding those connections.
Trump and Charles Maintain a Warm Relationship
Trump’s criticism of Harry and Meghan stands in sharp contrast to the relationship he has cultivated with King Charles.
The two men have repeatedly spoken positively about one another, with their friendly relationship particularly visible during Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit to the White House in April.
The occasion featured humour from both sides, with the King and President joking about the long and complicated history between Britain and the United States.
Trump has also previously spoken warmly about his relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II, further underlining his longstanding admiration for the British monarchy.
