Former President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, stating they have treated Prince William "very terrible" and that the Prince should "never speak to them again." Trump also suggested that Meghan Markle has had a "horrible" influence on Prince Harry.
These remarks follow Trump's previous statements where he indicated he "wouldn't have taken them back" after their return to the United Kingdom. Speaking with GB News host Bev Turner, Trump asserted that the Sussexes have "done too many horrible things" to be easily welcomed back.
Trump contrasted his own approach with that of King Charles, stating that the King is a "much better person" than he is for recently meeting with Harry and Meghan. "I wouldn't have done it. I would have said forget it," Trump commented.
He reiterated his view that the couple had exhibited "too much hate, too many really bad things," specifically mentioning Prince Harry's book as "so bad" and Meghan as a "horrible influence."
Trump's comments were made in the context of Harry and Meghan's return to the UK after six years in the United States. The former president expressed his happiness that they had left the U.S.
"First of all, I think King Charles is fantastic, he's a friend of mine," Trump said. "Personally, I would not have taken them back. Too much hate, too many really bad things. He [Prince Harry] wrote a book that was so bad, and she was a horrible influence on him. What she's done to him is unacceptable."
He further argued that the couple's treatment of Prince William was "terrible." "The things he said, I wouldn't... I mean, it's just me. I'm sure I'm wrong on this, but I would not have taken him back. I would have never spoken to him again," Trump stated.
When Bev Turner suggested that King Charles appeared to offer an "olive branch" despite a strained relationship between the brothers, Trump responded, "It shows you what a good man King Charles is. He's a much better person than I am. I wouldn't have done it. I would have said forget it."
Trump also praised King Charles's recent visit to America, noting that he was "loved" and had a "fantastic" reception. He highlighted the King's resilience while facing health challenges, calling it an act of bravery.
Previously, Trump had addressed the Sussexes' return to the UK in a meeting with travel executives, stating he was "happy about it" and was "not a fan." He recalled having a "very good relationship" with the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles, but felt Harry and Meghan "treated the Royal Family with great disrespect."
"I didn't like the way she acted," Trump said of Meghan Markle. "I thought she was terribly disrespectful to the Queen, to King Charles. Maybe I'm different; I would not have taken them back."
Reports from within Trump's orbit, including comments from Katie Miller, wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, suggested the Sussexes' return was motivated by their dislike of Trump. Conservative personality Megyn Kelly also commented on the situation.
Harry and Meghan informed King Charles last month of their decision to relocate back to Britain with their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. The family is reportedly staying in the UK for an extended period and is considering a home in the Cotswolds. The couple plans to retain their properties in Montecito, California, and Portugal.