He has remained tight-lipped since the announcement of their engagement, and now Donald Trump has revealed that an invitation to attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on 19 May has yet to be extended.
In an interview with Piers Morgan in Davos, the US President said he hopes the royal couple are happy, stopping short of replying to pre-engagement criticism from Ms Markle about his leadership.
Asked directly if he had received an invitation to be among 800 guests in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in the spring, Trump said, “Not that I know of.”
“I want them to be happy. I really want them to be happy. They look like a lovely couple.”
When reminded of some quotes in which the American former actress described him as a “divisive misogynist,” he quickly replied, “Well, I still hope they’re happy.”
The US president also revealed that his mother was fond of the Queen and royal traditions.
“She had a love for the Queen,” he said of his mother. “She had a love for the Royal Family. She really respected the Queen, and she loved the pomp and ceremony. The fact is, she loved the UK.”
Trump has been hoping to be given a state visit, which would guarantee him a meeting with Her Majesty. He is now expected to get his wish during a planned working visit to the UK, although a carriage procession down the Mall doesn’t seem to be on the cards,
Trump’s words come as the Sunday Times reported that the royal bride-to-be is considering to deliver a speech at the reception that will follow the wedding ceremony, in which she will pay an ‘affectionate’ tribute to the prince and give thanks to the Queen. The newspaper even suggested that there will be a couple of jokes to be made.
President Trump’s interview with Piers Morgan will be broadcast on ITV tonight at 10pm.
His mother emigrated from Scotland in 1930, becoming a citizen in 1942 during the reign of George VI. One hopes she liked the Queen!