Donald Trump reportedly tried to ask the late Queen Elizabeth II about her views on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a new book has claimed. The explosive new book, The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History, has been written by US political journalist Susan Page and includes several stories about the late monarch's relationships with various US presidents.

One of the most significant revelations in the book links back to Trump's state visit to the UK in 2019. In an excerpt published by USA Today, the author writes: "He was 'slightly awestruck' when he talked about her [the late Queen], National Security Council staffer Fiona Hill said, and his voice and face would soften. 'A meeting with the Queen of England was the ultimate sign that he, Trump, had made it in life.'

According to Ms Page, Trump took his opportunity to ask the late Queen about the most contentious subject: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Ms Page recalls what the President told her about what he'd asked after the state banquet in 2019: "I asked her about it constantly, I'd say, 'Come on, tell me (what you really think).'"

"She replied, 'No, no. It's very nice.' Trump was unpersuaded. 'I really think it hurt her,' he said. 'I just don't think they treated her with the respect that she should have, frankly.'"

The author recalls the rest of the conversation she had with the President: "I couldn't get her to say it. I'm good at that, too," he said. She demurred.

"She would always say, 'No, no, would be lovely, lovely.' But it wasn't lovely, and I think it hurt her. I really think it hurt her. It was tremendous dissension."

President Trump has never been one to hold back his views on Harry and Meghan. He previously told the New York Post: "I don't want to do that [deport Prince Harry]. He's got enough problems with his wife. She's terrible."

The next day, the Duke gave a speech in front of 40,000 people during the Invictus Games opening ceremony, condemning "weak moral character in the world" before thanking the veterans, in what was viewed as a swipe at Mr Trump following his comments on Meghan Markle.

As well as gushing about the late Queen, Mr Trump has praised both King Charles and Prince William. Two years ago, Mr Trump met privately with Prince William in France.

He said: "I had a great talk with the prince. He's a good-looking guy. He looked really, very handsome last night. Some people look better in person? He looked great. He looked really nice, and I told him that."