Trump Reportedly Pestered Queen Elizabeth About Harry and Meghan in New Book
According to a new book, former US President Donald Trump repeatedly questioned Queen Elizabeth II about her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle during a state visit in 2019. The revelations come from The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History by Susan Page, which details the late monarch's relationships with American leaders over her seven-decade reign.
Persistent Questions About Royal Family Dynamics
During Trump's state visit to Buckingham Palace in June 2019 – which would be the final state dinner of the Queen's life – the president reportedly besieged Her Majesty with questions about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This occurred just months after the birth of the couple's first child, Archie, at a time when British media was widely reporting on alleged tensions between Harry and his brother Prince William.
"I asked her about it constantly," Trump is quoted as saying in the book. "I'd say, 'Come on, tell me (what you really think).'"
The Queen maintained her characteristic discretion, responding simply: "No, no. It's very nice." However, Trump remained unconvinced by her diplomatic answer.
"I really think it hurt her," Trump said regarding the reported family fallout. "I just don't think they treated her with the respect that she should have, frankly."
Attempts to Extract Presidential Preferences
The book further reveals that during the same state visit, Trump attempted to get the Queen to appraise the fourteen US presidents she had met throughout her reign, twelve of whom she encountered while they were in office. He even tried to persuade her to name a favourite.
"I said, 'So could I ask you who was your favorite president?'" Trump recounted. The Queen reportedly deflected with the diplomatic response: "Why? They were all so good."
Trump later commented: "I couldn't get her to say a bad thing about anybody." Despite her refusal to answer, Trump developed his own theory that he was actually the Queen's favourite president.
"We just got along," Trump claimed. His then-ambassador, Woody Johnson, supported this view, adding: "The president has a very keen sense of things like that."
Skepticism from Political Figures
The book notes that several former presidents and first ladies expressed skepticism about Trump's presumption regarding his special relationship with the Queen. First Lady Jill Biden reportedly responded: "That's hysterical," while Joe Biden shook his head. She added: "Oh, that fits his character, for sure."
Hillary Clinton was similarly doubtful, stating: "Why am I not surprised by that? I don't think there is any evidence to believe that could possibly be true."
Context of UK-US Relations
The publication of Page's book comes at a time when the "special relationship" between the UK and US has faced recent strains. Trump has reportedly expressed frustrations with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's response to the war in Iran, and some UK lawmakers have called for King Charles's planned state visit to the US to be delayed amid worsening relations.
Despite these tensions, King Charles has been credited with playing a vital role in easing relations between the two nations. His successful state visit to the US last year is viewed as having helped mend diplomatic ties. The White House is expected to announce another state visit by King Charles to the United States this week.
The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History is published by Harper and will be released on April 14. The book provides unprecedented insights into the Queen's diplomatic relationships with American presidents from Harry Truman to Donald Trump.
