President Donald Trump expressed satisfaction regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from the United States, stating he was "happy about it" and that he "wouldn’t have taken them back" if he were part of the royal family.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he believed the couple had treated the royal family with "great disrespect," particularly criticizing Markle's past actions and statements. He noted his own positive relationships with both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who left royal duties in 2020 and initially settled in California, were reported to be planning an extended stay in the United Kingdom. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, were reportedly enrolled in British schools and were expected to begin classes in September. The couple intended to reside in a private home outside London while retaining their California residence.
This is not the first time Trump has publicly commented on the couple. In 2019, he called Markle "nasty" after she had reportedly described him as "divisive" prior to his election. In February of the previous year, Trump dismissed the idea of deporting Prince Harry, stating, "He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible."