Donald Trump gave his unfiltered opinion about the British royal family, including the idea of Prince Harry making a “comeback” to Buckingham Palace.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman was invited to a private meeting at the White House by Trump, 79, during King Charles and Queen Camilla’s US state visit, and the author recounted their candid conversation to Daily Mail.
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 27: (NO UK SALES FOR 28 DAYS) U.S. President Donald Trump hosts King Charles III for afternoon tea at the White House on day one of their State Visit to the United States of America on April 27, 2026 in Washington, D.C. The visit will include stops at the nation’s capital, New York City, and Virginia, arranged to celebrate the United States of America’s 250th anniversary of its independence. (Photo by Francis Dias/Pool – via Samir Hussein/WireImage)Francis Dias/Pool – via Samir Hussein/WireImage
“So, can Harry make a comeback?” Trump asked Hardman, who admitted it was “highly unlikely” that the Duke of Sussex, 41, would find his way back into the royal fold.
“Too many things, I guess,” Trump said before commenting on Meghan Markle. “That wife of his. Boy, what she’s done to that guy … I guess she got blocked out by William’s wife.”
Hardman did not elaborate or give further context on what Trump meant by Kate Middleton “blocking out” the Duchess of Sussex, 44.
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This is not the first time Trump has made comments about Harry and his wife. The Duke left the royal family in 2020 and relocated to California with Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Harry said in 2024 that he had “no plans” to become a US citizen, but his immigration status is the subject of litigation. The Heritage Foundation alleges that he may have concealed past illegal drug use, and he should be disqualified from obtaining a US visa.
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS – APRIL 17: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex watch the sitting volley ball competition on day 2 of the Invictus Games 2020 at Zuiderpark on April 17, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Trump was asked in February 2025 if he planned to boot the former senior royal out of the country, which he said he didn’t “want to do that.”
“I’ll leave him alone,” Trump told The New York Post. “He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”
Despite his mixed opinions of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Trump had glowing reviews for the rest of the royal family during his private meeting with Hardman. The President is a well-documented fan of the royal family, as was his Scottish-born mother, and he even has Queen Elizabeth II’s final portrait hanging in his Mar-a-Lago home.
“We’ve done a good job with the King, right?” Trump asked Hardman about Charles’ four-day trip around the US. “He’s a great guy, he really is.”
Related: Why Princess Diana Sent William and Harry to Boarding School at 8, Despite Being ‘In Tears’
Trump also noted he thinks Prince William, 44, will be a “good King” when he ascends to the throne, adding, “He’s very nice. A great guy. I like him.”
The President also enjoyed his time getting to know Middleton, 44, whom he met during last year’s state banquet in the U.K.
“How’s she doing? She’s so great. She was sick, people said crazy things about her and she was so brave,” Trump said, in reference to the Princess of Wales in 2024 when conspiracy theories swirled about her whereabouts before she revealed her cancer diagnosis.
This story was originally published by Parade on May 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.