During his recent visit to the UK, former US President Donald Trump managed to stir debate online after making remarks that many believe were aimed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Trump spent several days in the country, meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and opening a new golf course in Aberdeenshire. He also hosted Starmer and his wife Victoria at his Turnberry resort in Scotland. The meeting included its share of awkward moments, including poorly timed bagpipes and a tense exchange after Trump called London Mayor Sadiq Khan a “nasty person.”
A comment raising eyebrows
While speaking warmly about King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other members of the Royal Family, Trump added a line that caught public attention. “They are great people. They are really great people,” he said, before adding, “And in that sense I think the UK is very lucky, you could have people that weren’t great people. I don’t know if I can say that, but you could have people that weren’t.”
Starmer quickly responded by saying, “we’re very lucky,” while avoiding any further comment.
Though Trump never mentioned Harry or Meghan by name, many on social media interpreted the remark as a subtle dig at the couple, who stepped back from royal duties and moved to California in 2021. Reactions online were split: some praised Trump for “throwing shade,” while others argued the comment had nothing to do with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Broader controversies during the trip
Trump’s visit was not without further controversy. Beyond the royal speculation, he drew criticism over comments related to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Hunger levels there have reached what aid organizations describe as catastrophic, with nearly half a million people facing famine-like conditions. The World Health Organization has warned of a sharp rise in deaths due to malnutrition, calling the situation a “dangerous trajectory.”
As with much of Trump’s public life, his words continue to divide opinion, leaving room for both interpretation and debate.