Prince Harry's Immigration Records Set to Be Released Amid Controversy

In a significant development concerning the Duke of Sussex, U.S. officials are poised to release Prince Harry’s immigration records following a court order. This decision comes on the heels of allegations that the prince may have concealed past drug use when applying for his U.S. visa.

Prince Harry, who relocated to the United States in 2020 alongside his wife Meghan Markle after stepping back from royal duties, has found himself at the center of a legal battle initiated by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C. The foundation’s claims stem from revelations made in Harry’s memoir, Spare, published in January 2023, where he openly discussed his experiences with drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms.

In his memoir, the prince candidly recounted his first encounter with cocaine at the age of 17, stating, “It wasn’t much fun, and it didn’t make me particularly happy.” He further elaborated on his marijuana use, noting that while cocaine did not have a significant impact on him, marijuana “really did help” him. These admissions have raised questions regarding his honesty on U.S. visa application forms, which explicitly inquire about any current or past drug use.

The implications of drug use on visa applications are serious; such admissions can lead to rejection of both non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications. However, immigration officers do have the discretion to assess applications based on various factors. The Heritage Foundation argues that Prince Harry’s alleged failure to disclose his drug use could result in a lifetime ban from entering the United States.

District Judge Carl Nichols has mandated that the Department of Homeland Security release Harry’s immigration documents by the end of Tuesday. This ruling follows a previous decision by the same judge in 2024, which initially deemed there was insufficient public interest to warrant the disclosure of the prince’s immigration records. The Heritage Foundation contested that ruling, leading to this latest judgment.

As the deadline approaches, the public awaits clarity on what the immigration records will reveal. Meanwhile, the White House and Prince Harry’s office have been contacted for comments but have yet to respond.

The situation has not been without its share of political commentary. Former President Donald Trump previously stated in February that he would not pursue deportation of Prince Harry, quipping, “I’ll leave him alone… He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.” This remark highlights the ongoing tensions between Meghan Markle and Trump, as the duchess has been vocal in her criticism of the former president, labeling him a “misogynist.”

As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the release of these immigration records will impact Prince Harry’s status in the U.S. and his public image, particularly in light of his recent candid revelations about his past.