Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again the center of public scrutiny. In a Sunday, August 4, 2024 interview, Eric Trump, the son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, openly criticized them. During the appearance, Eric Trump referred to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as “spoiled apples,” suggesting they are unwelcome in the United States.
Eric Trump stated that people in the U.K. could gladly take Meghan and Harry back and that the U.S. would happily send them. His comments reflected a sentiment shared by many critics of the couple. He also suggested that every group can have its spoiled apples, implying that the couple’s actions have damaged their reputation.
Eric Trump further expressed his family’s strong admiration for the British monarchy, calling it a beautiful institution respected by many Americans and deserving of protection. His comments align with the broader stance of the Trump family, which views itself as a champion of traditional values and institutions.
The timing of these comments coincides with ongoing legal scrutiny over Prince Harry’s U.S. visa status. In his memoir “Spare,” Harry admitted to past drug use, including cocaine, cannabis, and magic mushrooms. These revelations have led to legal challenges from conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation, which question whether Harry disclosed his drug use in his visa applications.
In March, Donald Trump discussed the issue with broadcaster Nigel Farage, emphasizing that Prince Harry should not receive special treatment if he lied on his visa applications. Trump noted that authorities need to determine if there is any information regarding drug use, and if Prince Harry lied, they would need to take the appropriate actions. This statement hinted at the possibility of deportation and raised questions about Harry’s future in California, where he resides with Meghan and their two children.
The tensions between the Trump family and the Sussexes are longstanding. Donald Trump has consistently criticized Meghan Markle, accusing her of disrespecting the royal family and the late Queen Elizabeth II. He has also expressed disdain for the couple’s decision to leave their royal duties and move to the United States in 2020.
Eric Trump’s remarks highlight the perceived separation between the Sussexes and the rest of the British Royal Family. He suggested that Harry and Meghan seem isolated from both their British and American roots, describing them as being on an island of their own.
While Trump’s criticism of Harry and Meghan is well-known, their relationship with other royal family members appears more cordial. Eric Trump noted his family’s connection to the late Princess Diana, stating that his mother, Ivana Trump, had a great relationship with her. This connection, he implied, provides the Trump family with unique insights into the dynamics of the royal institution.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Eric Trump stressed the importance of the relationship between the UK and the US. He claimed that there would be no better ally for the UK than Donald Trump, positioning his father as a champion of Western values and a defender of traditional institutions.