Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are coming out on top of a fresh war of words with Donald Trump, according to a royal commentator who says the US President's latest jab has done little to dent the couple's standing.
Trump was recently asked about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to step away from royal duties and relocate to the United States. His response was blunt: he said he was "happy" the couple had left, and used the moment to criticise them for what he described as disrespect toward the royal family.
It's the kind of pointed remark that might once have set off a fresh round of headlines questioning Harry and Meghan's reputation. But this time, at least one expert says the comments are unlikely to cause any real damage.
Speaking to GB, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams argued that Trump's swipe actually works in the Sussexes' favour, if anything. He pointed out that with far more pressing matters on the world stage, namely a worsening crisis in the Gulf region that's rattling global trade, the President's attention on Harry and Meghan says more about their enduring fame than it does about any wrongdoing on their part.
"With the crisis in the Gulf seemingly out of control to the detriment of world trade, his attack on them won't do their image any harm," Fitzwilliams said.
The comment underscores a point that's followed the Sussexes for years: whether the coverage is glowing or critical, Harry and Meghan remain a fixture of global conversation. Fitzwilliams suggested that Trump weighing in on their move at all is really a reflection of just how far their profile stretches beyond royal and political circles alike.
For now, neither Buckingham Palace nor representatives for the Sussexes have issued any response to Trump's remarks. But if Fitzwilliams's reading is correct, Harry and Meghan may simply be able to let this one pass without it touching their public image.
Key Takeaways:
- Donald Trump criticised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for what he called disrespect toward the royal family, saying he was "happy" they had left the UK.
- Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB that Trump's remarks are unlikely to harm the Sussexes' reputation.
- Fitzwilliams noted that with a worsening Gulf crisis affecting world trade, Trump's focus on the couple instead highlights their significant global profile.
- Neither the Sussexes nor Buckingham Palace has publicly responded to Trump's comments so far.
