Donald Trump has said he was “happy” to hear the news that Harry and Meghan have departed the US to return to the UK, as he stated that he was "not a fan" of the couple.

The US president claims that Harry and Meghan had treated the monarchy with "great disrespect", adding that he "would not have taken them back" if he were a member of the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK last week alongside their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, ending a six-year period of living in the US to begin a new life.

Reports suggest the family intends to stay in the UK for an "extended period", triggering debate over where they will establish their home, with the Cotswolds emerging as a likely location.

Addressing reporters at the White House about their exit from the US, Mr Trump said: "I’m happy about it. I was not a fan."

He continued: "I had a very good relationship with the Queen. Really good. I got to know her very well.

"A really good relationship with King Charles. I knew him as Prince Charles and King Charles. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s great, great guy.

"And I thought they treated the royal family with great disrespect. I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the way she acted. I thought she was terribly disrespectful to the Queen, to King Charles.

"I wouldn’t have taken them back. If I were in the royal family I would not have taken him back."

Having stepped down as working royals six years ago, Harry and Meghan moved to the US, where they subsequently aimed criticism at the royal family and the monarchy. They are expected to remain non-working royals.

While news of their unexpected move surfaced last month just days before they made the journey back over to the UK, the Sussexes have not yet spoken publicly regarding their intentions.

Uncertainty remains over several details, including whether public money will be used to fund their security arrangements, after Harry previously raised concerns over his family’s safety in the UK.