Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's UK Return: Donald Trump Criticises Duchess 'Great Disrespect' Towards Royals

President Donald Trump has declared that he is genuinely pleased that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have departed the United States and returned to Britain after spending six years based in California.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, the American leader pulled no punches about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stating explicitly that he had never been a fan of the couple.

Trump lambasted their high-profile exit from working royal duties in 2020, asserting that they treated the British monarchy with unacceptable disrespect. Furthermore, the president remarked pointedly that had he been in the position of the royal family, he would not have welcomed the couple back into the fold.

The sharp political commentary arrives as the Sussexes settle into a private life outside London with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, following their late August arrival.

While Trump contrasted his harsh appraisal of the couple with his warm historical relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II and the reigning monarch, King Charles III, his blunt remarks have immediately reignited an intense global debate over the family's turbulent relationship with the sovereign institution.

Direct Criticism of the Duchess of Sussex

Trump singled out the Duchess of Sussex for particularly harsh commentary regarding her public conduct toward senior royals. He argued that their media projects and explosive interviews caused unnecessary friction within the historic institution.

'I didn't like the way she acted. I thought she was terribly disrespectful,' Trump said, pointing directly at Meghan and explained his position by referring to what he viewed as the couple's treatment of the royal family.

When asked about Harry and Meghan's recent decision to leave California after six years, Trump said he was pleased by their return to Britain. 'I am happy about it. I was not a fan,' Trump said.

Trump also mentioned his 'good relationship' with the late Queen Elizabeth and her successor, King Charles, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Trump concluded by saying he would not have welcomed Harry and Meghan back if he were a member of the royal family. 'If I were the royal family, I would not have taken them back,' he said.

Harry and Meghan's Previous Claims About the Royal Family

Harry and Meghan's move to the United States followed their decision to step down from official royal duties in 2020. After the couple moved to the US, Harry discussed his relationship with the royal family in an interview with Oprah.

Harry accused the royal family of neglect, while Meghan discussed conversations that she said took place within the royal family during her pregnancy with their son.

Meghan, whose mother is Black and father is white, said there had been 'concerns and conversations' within the royal family about how dark her son's skin might be when he was born.

Prince William, Harry's older brother, defended the family after the accusation. He responded by saying, 'we're not racist.'

Harry also cited press scrutiny and the government's failure to provide security for his family as reasons for moving to California.

Harry and Meghan Expected To Remain Non-Working Royals

Harry and Meghan are now back in Britain but are expected to remain non-working royals. Sources said that the family planned to move somewhere outside London for an extended period. The plan includes their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, who will go to school in Britain.

The couple's return to Britain does not mean they are expected to resume official royal duties. Instead, they are expected to remain non-working members of the royal family while living in Britain with their children.

Trump's remarks have added substantial fuel to ongoing media speculation regarding the future role of the non-working royals. As the family begins this new chapter in Britain, public fascination and political scrutiny show no signs of abating.