London, Sept 2. (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Donald Trump has said he is “happy” Prince Harry and Meghan have left the United States for the United Kingdom, declaring he was “not a fan.”
The president believes the couple had treated the monarchy with “great disrespect” and said, if he were in the royal family, he “would not have taken them back.”
The couple and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to the UK last week to begin a new life after spending six years in the United States. The family is said to be settling in the UK for an “extended period” of time amid speculation as to how long they will stay and where they will live, with the Cotswolds being suggested as the most likely destination.
Asked at the White House about his reaction to the couple’s departure from the United States, Trump said: “I’m happy about it. I was not a fan.” He added: “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. I knew him as Prince Charles and King Charles. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s great, great guy. “And 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.”
Harry and Meghan, who are no longer working royals, quit the monarchy six years ago, relocating to the US from where they criticized members of the royal family and the institution.
The Sussexes’ dramatic U-turn was revealed last week, but the pair have yet to speak publicly about their plans.
Many questions remain unanswered, including whether taxpayers will foot the bill for their security.
GNA