Perhaps these latest revelations about Donald Trump would have been best left in the archives.
Trump, a real royalist, was eager to sit once again with the reporter and biographer who had made many of his deep personal thoughts known about King Charles III, the late Queen, Kate Middleton, Prince William, and, of course, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
In his new book, a biography of the late Queen Elizabeth, Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, Robert Hardman spilled all the secrets and all the tea after his hours-long sit-down at Mar-a-Lago.
This time, Trump summoned the author for a White House sit-down during King Charles’s state visit, and boy, did he have a lot to say about the royals. Some excerpts, however, should have stayed quiet.
Trump was eager to discuss his admiration for the monarchy, noting that he truly considers himself a “real royalist” at heart and follows the monarchy’s activities, including the stunning scandals.
Trump also claimed that his affinity for the British Crown is deep-seated, even suggesting he feels a personal thrill regarding his own ancestral ties to the monarchy.
President Trump shared: “I have great respect for the institution. It’s a very special thing, the Monarchy. I’m a real royalist, you know, I always have been. It’s part of the fabric of the world, and I think it’s very important that it stays strong.”
Trump claimed that the late Queen was “incredible” and a “legend,” reflecting on the personal bond he felt they shared during his previous visits.
He continued: “She was an incredible woman, a legend. We had a great relationship, a great chemistry. She was smart, she was sharp, and she was a great friend of our country. There will never be anyone like her again.”
Nonetheless, the author was blunt and told the president that the late Queen found him interesting and a bit over the top. The writer revealed: “The Queen said he is charming, tall, tanned, big, courteous, mid-century, amusing following their 2019 state visit.”’
The writer said Trump smiled at the mélange of compliments and took it in stride. Trump said: “I’ve had better, and I’ve certainly had worse.”
That was when the conversation turned to the current “Royal Rift.” Trump did not hold back his opinions on the impact Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had on the institution.
Donald Trump, who seems to be reading every article and tweet written about the complex relationship or lack thereof between the royals in California and the United Kingdom, was curious to know if there were any doubts about reports that Harry essentially wants to return to the royal fold.
Trump asked: “So, can Harry make a comeback? When the journalist said no, Trump explained: “I don’t know. Too many things, I guess. That wife of his. Boy, what has she done to that guy? It’s a very sad thing to see what happened there.”
The president, despite his busy schedule handling wars, the Epstein scandal, the economy, and the midterm elections, appeared genuinely preoccupied with the shift in Harry’s public persona since his move to California. Trump claimed, “I guess she got blocked out by William‘s wife. I think it’s been very damaging to the family.”
Some royal experts and critics have sharply disagreed with the president for placing the weight of the Sussexes’ “ban” primarily on Princess Kate.
While the president suggests the Princess of Wales was the catalyst for the duchess’s social exclusion, historians note that the King, Prince William, and the late Queen set their own firm boundaries regarding “half-in, half-out” roles years ago.
By centering the conflict on the two women, the president, almost 80 years of age, seems to have forgotten the well-documented strategic decisions made by the male heads of the monarchy to protect the institution’s long-term stability.
It is a known fact that the senior royals prioritized the Crown’s integrity and continuity over family feuds and reconciliation.
Trump claimed that William and Kate are the future of the monarchy, though his outspoken defense of the Princess of Wales has reportedly caused a “thorny situation” for her.
The president spoke extensively about Princess Kate’s recent health battle, describing her as a figure of immense strength, he said: “William, he’ll be a good King, won’t he? He’s very nice. A great guy. And Kate, she’s brave, she’s perfect. She was sick, people said crazy things about her, and she was so brave. They are the future, and they’re doing a fantastic job.”
With tensions still high, Trump’s comments will not make things easier for Catherine.
