Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been mocked on US television by comedian Bill Maher after reports emerged that the couple are planning to move back to the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be preparing to relocate so their two children, Archie and Lilibet, can attend school in the UK. The family would reportedly live in a non-royal residence near King Charles' Highgrove home in Gloucestershire.
Bill Maher's reaction to the move
Opening his latest show, Maher told the audience: "I can see it in your eyes. I know why you’re happy today. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are going back to England. I tell you that ICE doesn’t f**k around, huh?" The remark drew cheers and applause from the crowd.
He continued: "This was Harry’s idea; he just wants to be closer to the family that’s not speaking to him."
Previous criticism of Meghan
This is not the first time Maher has criticised Meghan. Speaking to Piers Morgan in 2023, shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, he said: "They want it both ways. You know, you can't be these people were so mean to us and and poor us and we don't want all this attention and then let me let me write a book about how much we don't want attention."
He added: "They just strike me as creatures of that generation. You know, you're just fragile. Just take a hint from the Queen, the recently departed. You're complaining about your hard life, and you're so privileged. It's just so weird."
Maher's clarification and speculation over the move
Maher did clarify that he had never met the couple, saying: "No, no, I don't know them. I admire Harry for going to Afghanistan. Anyone who's had military service, I can only criticise so much because I haven't, and there's nothing that compares to military service."
The reason for the couple's move has not been confirmed, though speculation has been widespread. One report claimed Meghan was in talks to appear in season three of Netflix series The Gentlemen. However, new reports suggest the offer has been withdrawn following backlash to the initial report, with Netflix bosses keen to keep attention on the show starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario.
