Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once more under public scrutiny, this time from Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview, Eric Trump labeled the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as “spoiled apples,” insinuating they are unwelcome in the United States. He criticized them openly during the conversation.
According to Eric Trump, the U.S. would be pleased to let Harry and Meghan go, saying, “We’ll happily send them back from America”, but he implied that the U.K. might not want them back either. His remarks reflect views held by numerous critics of the pair. He implied that their conduct has tarnished their image, stating that every group has its “spoiled apples.”
Eric Trump expressed his family’s deep respect for the British monarchy, referring to it as a beautiful institution that many Americans admire and which deserves protection. His comments are consistent with the Trump family’s broader stance of championing traditional values and institutions.
Eric Trump’s comments coincided with the ongoing legal scrutiny over Prince Harry’s U.S. visa status. In his memoir “Spare,” Harry confessed to past drug use, including cocaine, cannabis, and magic mushrooms. Conservative groups such as the Heritage Foundation have raised legal challenges, questioning whether Harry disclosed his drug use in his visa applications.
In a discussion with broadcaster Nigel Farage in March, Donald Trump reiterated that if Prince Harry lied in his visa applications, he shouldn’t receive special treatment. Authorities should investigate any drug use information, and if Prince Harry was dishonest, they should take suitable measures. This assertion hinted at potential deportation, raising doubts about Harry’s future in California, where he lives with Meghan and their two children.
The Trump family and the Sussexes have had a long-standing strained relationship. Donald Trump has persistently criticized Meghan Markle, accusing her of showing disrespect to the royal family and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Furthermore, he expressed disapproval of their choice to abandon their royal duties and relocate to the United States in 2020.
Eric Trump’s comments underscore the perceived detachment of Harry and Meghan from the rest of the British Royal Family. He suggested that the couple appears isolated from both their British and American roots, characterizing them as being on their own island.
While the Trumps’ criticism of Harry and Meghan is well-documented, their relationship with other royal family members seems more amicable. Eric Trump highlighted his family’s connection to the late Princess Diana, stating that his mother, Ivana Trump, shared a good relationship with her. He suggested that this connection gives the Trump family a unique understanding of the royal institution’s dynamics.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Eric Trump emphasized the significance of the U.K.-U.S. relationship. He claimed that no ally would be better for the U.K. than Donald Trump, presenting his father as a defender of Western values and traditional institutions.
