Former President Donald Trump reportedly attempted to extract “gossip” about Meghan Markle from Queen Camilla during a recent UK state visit, a moment that highlights his deep and often controversial fascination with the Duchess of Sussex and the inner workings of the British Royal Family. This article unravels the layers of this intriguing interaction and its place in the long-running narrative between Trump and the Sussexes.
The world of royalty, much like classic cinema, holds an enduring allure, drawing in audiences with its blend of tradition, drama, and personal narratives. It appears this fascination extends even to former world leaders, as evidenced by recent reports of Donald Trump’s curious exchange with Queen Camilla. During his state visit to the United Kingdom last month, Trump reportedly sought an insider’s perspective on one of the monarchy’s most talked-about figures: Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
The Unexpected Question: “What’s the Gossip on Meghan?”
The reported interaction occurred during Trump’s second state visit to the UK, where he and former First Lady Melania Trump were hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. At one point, Trump allegedly turned to Camilla and asked directly: “So what’s the gossip on Meghan then? What’s going on there?” This bold inquiry was first reported by Tom Sykes in his newsletter, The Royalist Substack, and subsequently covered by publications like Us Weekly.
Queen Camilla’s response, according to sources, was a masterclass in royal diplomacy. She reportedly crossed her wrists, a gesture often used by royals, including King Charles III, to signal that they are unable to speak on a particular subject, effectively suggesting she was “handcuffed” from sharing any details. This graceful deflection allowed her to avoid “stirring the pot” while still acknowledging the query.
A History of Intrigue: Trump’s Fascination with the Duchess
This isn’t the first time Donald Trump’s interest in Meghan Markle has come to the fore. Their relationship has been a subject of public discussion for years, marked by both criticism and occasional praise from the former President.
From “Misogynistic” to “Nasty”: The Early Years
The dynamic between them began even before Meghan joined the Royal Family. In 2016, when Trump was a presidential candidate, Meghan Markle, then an actress, publicly called him “misogynistic” and “divisive” during an appearance on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. These comments resurfaced when she became engaged to Prince Harry, leading Trump to remark in 2019, ahead of his first UK state visit, “I didn’t know she was nasty.” He later claimed these remarks were “made up by the fake news media,” but a recording and transcript shared by The Sun proved otherwise, as noted in a report by The Independent.
Despite his initial “nasty” comment, Trump later praised Meghan as “very nice” during an interview with Piers Morgan following his 2019 visit, also calling Prince Harry a “terrific guy.”
The California Move and Political Statements
The relationship soured significantly after Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from their roles as working royals and relocated to California in 2020. Trump publicly stated that the US would not pay for their security protection, prompting a response from the couple’s representatives that they had no intention of asking the US government to foot the bill.
A key turning point was a video released by the couple in 2020, part of the Time 100 list of influential people, where they encouraged Americans to vote. Many interpreted their remarks as a subtle endorsement of Joe Biden, without explicitly naming him. In the video, Harry urged Americans to “reject hate speech, misinformation and online negativity,” with Meghan adding that the upcoming election was “the most important election of our lifetime.”
When asked about these comments during a White House press briefing, Trump’s disapproval was clear: “I’m not a fan of hers. I wish a lot of luck to Harry, he’s going to need it.”
Post-Presidency Commentary: Harry’s Visa and Meghan’s Character
Even after leaving office, Trump continued to weigh in on the Sussexes. In a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, Trump described Harry as being “whipped like no person I think I’ve ever seen,” suggesting Meghan would likely leave him “when she decides that she likes some other guy better.”
More recently, Trump commented on Prince Harry’s US visa application, which came under scrutiny following admissions of drug use in his 2023 memoir, Spare. In 2024, Trump criticized the Biden administration for being “too gracious” to Harry, telling The Express: “I wouldn’t protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That’s unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me.”
However, when asked if he would deport Prince Harry, Trump shifted his tone, telling The New York Post in February: “I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”
A Royal Divide: Trump’s Praises and Criticisms
While Trump’s views on Meghan and Harry have been largely critical, his admiration for other members of the Royal Family has been consistently positive. He often spoke of his strong rapport with the late Queen Elizabeth II, claiming they had “automatic chemistry.” However, author Craig Brown, in his biography A Voyage Around the Queen, suggested that the late monarch found Trump “very rude” and particularly disliked how he “couldn’t stop looking over her shoulder, as though in search of others more interesting.”
During his recent visit, Trump also spoke highly of King Charles III, describing him as “just a great person” whom he’d known for a long time. He also praised Prince William, the heir to the throne, calling him a “remarkable son” and predicting “unbelievable success in future,” a comment some interpreted as a subtle slight toward Prince Harry.
The Enduring Appeal of Royal “Tea”
The incident with Queen Camilla serves as a vivid reminder of the widespread fascination with the British Royal Family, its dynamics, and the personal stories that unfold within its walls. From casual observers to former presidents, the desire for “royal tea” remains a powerful cultural phenomenon. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, having stepped into a new life in California, continue to be subjects of immense public and, apparently, political interest.
As fans of compelling narratives, we understand the magnetic pull of such stories. Whether it’s the drama of a classic film or the real-life complexities of a royal family, the quest for understanding the underlying motivations and untold details keeps us captivated. Donald Trump’s direct inquiry to Queen Camilla is just another chapter in this continuously unfolding, and endlessly intriguing, royal saga.
