Prince William's displeasure with former U.S. President Donald Trump is laid bare in a new biography, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, by Robert Jobson. The book delves into the 2012 scandal when topless photos of Kate Middleton, now Princess of Wales, were published. Trump's comments at the time provoked a significant backlash from Prince William, highlighting the tensions between the royal family and the former president.
In 2012, during a private vacation in Provence, France, photographers captured images of Kate sunbathing topless. Despite legal actions against the publications that released the photos, including a substantial fine for breaching privacy, the scandal garnered international headlines. Trump, then a prominent businessman, tweeted provocatively about the incident. "Kate Middleton is great - but she shouldn't be sunbathing in the nude - only herself to blame," Trump wrote. "Who wouldn't take Kate's picture and make lots of money if she does the nude sunbathing thing? Come on Kate!"
Jobson writes that William was "furious" at Trump's insensitive remarks. The situation was already delicate, as it marked the couple's first significant clash with the press, leading to feelings of violation and distress for Kate. The French edition of Closer magazine, which published the photos, was fined €100,000 in damages, underscoring the severity of the privacy invasion.
The biography also sheds light on other instances of tension between Prince William and comments made about his wife. One notable episode involved Meghan Markle, who allegedly offended Kate by attributing a lapse in memory to "baby brain" while Kate was pregnant with Prince Louis. William reportedly defended Kate, calling Meghan "rude" during the confrontation. The incident is one of many that have strained the relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Trump, who has often expressed his admiration for the British monarchy, praised Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III in various interviews. However, his relationship with the younger royals, particularly Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has been fraught with criticism. Trump has openly criticized Harry and Meghan, even suggesting that Harry could face deportation for allegedly not being honest about his drug use when applying for a visa.
The former president's admiration for the monarchy did not extend to a blanket approval. He voiced his differing views on environmental issues with King Charles, despite maintaining a cordial relationship. "We have different views, but we get along. I think he's a really wonderful guy," Trump said of Charles.
The discord between Trump and the younger royals contrasts with his broader support for the royal institution. In a conversation with Nigel Farage, Trump praised the concept of the royal family and expressed his belief that Queen Elizabeth II was "incredible," noting her nearly flawless record over 70 years of rule.
Prince Harry's tell-all memoir Spare, released in 2023, and multiple interviews have further strained relations within the royal family. The Sussexes' decision to step down as working royals in 2020 and subsequent revelations have created a noticeable rift. Despite reaching out to Kate as she undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, the couples have not been publicly seen together since the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.
