Donald Trump called Meghan Markle “terrible” but made it clear he had no intention of deporting Prince Harry over his past drug use—delivering an unexpected response to critics who argue the Duke of Sussex should never have been allowed into the US.

When asked by the New York Post whether he would remove Harry from the country, Trump responded, “I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.” Interestingly, Trump’s remark about Meghan was entirely unprompted, as he was not even asked about her.

‘Whole Britain was laughing’

Trump’s comments sparked a range of reactions, with UK writer and broadcaster Esther Krakue stating on Sky News that “whole Britain was laughing” at the entertainment he provided by branding the Duchess of Sussex “terrible,” according to Express UK News. Krakue noted that most Britons do not perceive Harry as particularly intelligent and believe he is heavily influenced by his “very American” wife.

This is not the first time Trump has criticized the royal couple—he has previously suggested that Harry is “whipped” by Meghan. The tension between them is mutual, as Meghan has previously labeled Trump “divisive” and “misogynistic.”

While Krakue admitted that it was unnecessary for Trump to comment on Harry and Meghan, she found it highly amusing. “I can tell you now that whole Britain was laughing,” she said. She further remarked that hearing a US president call someone’s wife “terrible” was particularly ironic, given the couple’s ongoing efforts to maintain their privacy.

Harry and Meghan’s comeback?

On the same day that Trump made his remark, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, appeared at the Invictus Games opening ceremony in Canada.

Addressing the crowd, Harry stated, “At this moment, when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world, the values you embody, the way you carry yourselves—not only at the Invictus Games but each and every day—your courage, your resilience, your humanity illuminate a path forward for us all.” Many interpreted this as a subtle response to Trump’s criticism.

Meghan also spoke at the event, expressing that Canada feels like “home.” Amid ongoing speculation about their marriage and professional future, the couple shared a public kiss. While many saw this as a strong show of unity, Meghan’s critics claimed she noticed the cameras first before initiating the kiss.

During the sporting event, Harry and Meghan displayed affection, seemingly shutting down rumors of a rift. A body language expert even suggested their interaction was a “two-finger salute” aimed at the former US president. The couple reportedly stayed in a £5,000-a-night hotel in Canada, complete with a private lift and a rooftop patio, according to the Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, questions surrounding Prince Harry’s immigration status remain unresolved. His visa application has been at the center of ongoing litigation, with The Heritage Foundation pushing for the release of his immigration documents. The think tank wants to determine whether Harry was truthful about his past drug use—given that he openly admitted to using cocaine and psychedelic mushrooms in his 2023 memoir Spare.

A judge ruled in September that the details of his visa application would remain private, but the case is set to be revisited in federal court this month. Trump previously warned that he “wouldn’t protect” Harry from any legal consequences that may arise.