Washington, D.C. — A federal judge has commanded the disclosure of certain segments of Prince Harry’s U.S. visa application records by March 18, 2025, setting the stage for insights into whether the Duke of Sussex was granted any special considerations or misrepresented his history of drug use when applying for entry into the United States.
The ruling follows a legal battle initiated by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that raised questions about Prince Harry’s eligibility for a U.S. visa. These concerns emerged after Harry disclosed past drug use in his 2023 memoir, “Spare,” where he admitted to consuming substances including cocaine and marijuana.
Court documents pertaining to Harry’s immigration status previously emerged, albeit with significant redactions. The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that full disclosure of Harry’s visa records could expose him to undue harassment and media scrutiny. However, the judge, a nominee of former President Donald Trump, decreed that some parts of the records, while still partially redacted, must be released.
Judge Carl Nichols, who issued the order, specified that while the documents’ release would be controlled, revealing Prince Harry’s visa dealings could provide public oversight without encroaching excessively on his privacy. The exact nature of the visa application that Prince Harry submitted remains undisclosed, adding an element of mystery regarding his immigration status.
In the U.S., visa protocols include inquiries about applicants’ past and present drug use—a factor that can impede the approval process. Misrepresentation or falsification on these applications can have severe repercussions, potentially leading to deportation or future bans from entering the country.
The controversy brings to light the special visas, such as the A-1 type often reserved for diplomats and royals, which might exempt holders from the typical constraints and checks related to drug use disclosure. However, Prince Harry’s exact visa classification has not been officially confirmed.
Amid these developments, former President Trump has opined that he wouldn’t pursue deportation against Harry, despite acknowledging that Harry has “enough problems” with his marital life. Nevertheless, legal experts caution that Harry’s residency status could be unstable, especially under an administration that previously frowned upon his and Meghan’s public statements.
Political implications extend beyond bureaucratic processes, influencing visa decisions. Historical tension between the Sussexes and the Trumps adds a layer of intrigue, particularly after Meghan Markle criticized Trump as “misogynistic” and “divisive,” prompting Trump to retaliate by calling her “nasty.”
In contrasting remarks, Eric Trump branded the Duke and Duchess as “spoiled apples,” suggesting a growing disenchantment with the couple in political circles.
Observers note that there are precedents for denying U.S. entry based on past drug admissions, recalling British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson’s 2013 entry denial to the U.S.
Despite the unfolding legal and political drama, representatives for Prince Harry assert that he was forthright in his visa application processes. Public records previously released under FOIA requests hint at no misrepresentation or special treatment in his applications, though these documents were heavily redacted.
Ultimately, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue their life in Montecito, California, following their step back from royal duties, the unfolding legal saga adds another layer of complication to their U.S. chapter. While American citizenship does not currently appear to be a priority for Prince Harry, the outcome of this legal discourse may well influence their future in the U.S. significantly.