Former US President Donald Trump has voiced strong disapproval of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to return to the United Kingdom. Speaking about their move during a press briefing at the White House, Mr Trump said he was “not a fan” of the couple and believed they had shown “great disrespect” to the British royal family.
The Duke and Duchess, along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to the UK last week after six years living in the United States. Reports suggest the family is settling in for an “extended period”, with the Cotswolds cited as a likely area for their new residence.
Mr Trump highlighted his positive relationships with the Queen and King Charles, stating: “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… He’s a great, great guy.”
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However, he criticised the Sussexes for their attitude towards the monarchy, remarking, “I thought they treated the royal family with great disrespect. I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the way she acted. I thought she was terribly disrespectful to the Queen, to King Charles. I wouldn’t have taken them back. If I were in the royal family I would not have taken him back.”
Since stepping back from their roles as working members of the royal family six years ago, Harry and Meghan have lived in the US, where they have spoken openly in critique of the monarchy and its members. Their decision to return to the UK marks a significant shift, though many details about their plans remain unclear.
Among outstanding questions are the arrangements for their security and who will bear the costs. Harry, a former serviceman who served in Afghanistan, reportedly wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to seek her involvement in decisions regarding police protection for his family.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has previously referred to their security funding as a “private matter” and declined to comment in detail. Harry has expressed concerns about inadequate protection since relinquishing his working royal status, citing threats from various groups including the Taliban and al Qaida since 2007.
The duke has also argued that he faces higher risks, with additional threats stemming from racism and extremism, even surpassing those experienced by his late mother. Last year, he lost a legal case against the Home Office challenging the security arrangements provided to him and his family while in the UK.
As the Sussexes settle back in Britain, further developments regarding their roles, residence, and security provisions are awaited.