President Donald Trump has made his feelings clear about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s departure from the United States, saying he is pleased to see the couple return to Britain.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently relocated with their children after spending six years in California, marking a major change for the family following their decision to step away from royal duties in 2020.
Trump has criticized Prince Harry and Meghan’s past treatment of the monarchy and suggested he would have taken a very different approach if the decision to welcome them back to the UK had been his.
4Trump did not hide his reaction to Harry and Meghan leaving the United States when questioned about the couple during an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office.
“I’m happy about it,” Trump said of their departure, before adding, “I was not a fan.” The president went on to criticize the Sussexes over their previous relationship with the monarchy, saying he believed they “treated the royal family with great disrespect.”
Trump’s criticism comes amid his long-time admiration for the British royal family. During his first term, Queen Elizabeth hosted him for a state visit, while King Charles welcomed him for another during his second term, making Trump the first US president to receive two British state visits.
He later returned the hospitality by hosting King Charles and Queen Camilla for a state visit in April.
The US President Said He’s Against Accepting The Sussexes Back Into The Royal Family, Prompting Mixed Reactions
Q: What’s your reaction to the recent news that Prince Harry and Meghan have left the United States and gone back to Britain.
Trump: I’m happy about it. I was not a fan. I didn’t like the way she acted. I thought she was terribly disrespectful to the queen. I would not have… pic.twitter.com/28hXn3xPl8
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 2, 2026
Trump’s criticism extended beyond his reaction to the Sussexes leaving America. He also suggested he would not have welcomed Harry back had the decision been his to make.
The president was particularly critical of Meghan, accusing her of behaving disrespectfully toward Harry’s family. “I didn’t like the way she acted,” Trump said. “I thought she was terribly disrespectful to the Queen, to King Charles.”
Trump then made his position on their return even clearer, saying, I wouldn’t have taken them back. If I were the royal family… I would not have taken them back.”
Despite returning to Britain, Harry and Meghan are not resuming their former positions as working royals. Instead, they are expected to establish a private life in the country following their years in California.
Trump’s remarks about the Sussexes were met with backlash, with social media users calling out the president for being overly critical of the royal couple.
One person on X said, “Did someone tell him it’s none of his business and we don’t care what he thinks about the Royals’ family matters?”
“Says the guy who pushed his way right past the queen & walked in front of her in her own country,” another person said, referencing a past controversial moment.
One more individual said: “Why is he asked questions that you know his response will be gossipy and mean? Press is prompting his hate.”
Prince Harry And Meghan’s UK Return Brings Their Children Closer To Royal Family
4The Sussexes’ move is also a significant change for Archie and Lilibet, who have returned to their father’s home country alongside their parents. The family is settling into life in England after leaving their California residence.
According to the New York Post, the family is staying in the Cotswolds on an estate belonging to billionaire financier Ian Wace, who helped facilitate their move.
Harry and Meghan are also searching for a permanent residence as they establish their new life outside the United States.
Their children are expected to attend local schools, giving them an opportunity to spend considerably more time in Britain than they did while living in California. The move also places Archie and Lilibet geographically closer to their relatives on Harry’s side of the family.
Although their parents will remain non-working royals, returning to Britain could provide the children with a stronger connection to their father’s home country and extended family as they grow up.
Questions About The Sussexes’ UK Security Remain Unanswered
4One of the biggest unresolved questions surrounding Harry and Meghan’s return is how their security will be handled.
As reported by Sky News, former Metropolitan Police chief Dal Babu estimated that providing protection for the Sussexes could “run into the millions of pounds.”
Harry previously lost a legal battle over his security after his protection arrangements were downgraded when he stopped being a working royal.
Babu explained that Harry has sought “full-time security on a par to the security he had when he was in the Royal Family,” but suggested there could be resistance because his royal status has changed.
More About Prince Harry And Meghan’s Security Issue In The UK
4Privately funded protection presents another complication because Harry and Meghan’s private security personnel cannot be armed in Britain.
Babu said intelligence assessments could instead be carried out “on a case-by-case basis” to determine whether circumstances require additional state protection, including armed officers.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has meanwhile indicated that their everyday protection will not be funded by the state, describing the issue as “a matter for Harry and Meghan.”
With the couple establishing a new life in Britain, questions on how their long-term security will operate and who will fund it remain uncertain.