Documents related to Prince Harry’s U.S. visa application were unsealed in court on March 18, 2025, following a two-year legal battle led by the conservative Heritage Foundation. These documents have stirred significant media interest and public debate, particularly concerning allegations of drug use by the Duke of Sussex.
The release comes after a federal judge sided with the Heritage Foundation's request under the Freedom of Information Act, aiming to determine whether Prince Harry concealed past illegal drug use during his visa application process. Specifically, his 2023 memoir, Spare, where he openly discusses using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms, was central to the claims brought forth by the think tank. They argued that such admissions should disqualify him from obtaining a U.S. visa, raising questions about either a lack of transparency in Harry's application or possible preferential treatment by U.S. immigration authorities.
Jarrod Panter, the chief officer for the Freedom of Information Act at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), addressed the court regarding this claim. He stated, “This speculation by (Heritage) does not point to any evidence of government misconduct,” emphasizing that Harry's visa application followed all “applicable rules and regulations.” Despite the extensive legal documents provided, most of the details concerning Harry's immigration status remained heavily redacted, highlighting the sensitive nature of the information and the balance between public interest and personal privacy.
The released files spanned over 80 pages but provided few insights regarding the specifics of Harry's application. Instead, they included declarations and court transcripts discussing the procedural elements of visa applications. The documented deliberations indicated that making Harry's visa details public could subject him to harassment and unwanted media attention. Panter noted, “To release such information would potentially expose the individual to harm from members of the public who might have a reason to manipulate or harass individuals depending on their status in the United States.”
Furthermore, applications for visas to live in the United States include inquiries about both current and historical drug use. While admitting to drug use can complicate one's application, immigration officers hold discretion to decide based on various contextual factors. In Harry’s case, his previous admissions, described vividly in his memoir, posed a challenge. He recalled trying cocaine at just 17 years old, saying, “It wasn't much fun, and it didn't make me particularly happy, as it seemed to make everyone around me, but it did make me feel different, and that was the main goal.” He also expressed a more favorable view of marijuana, asserting, “marijuana is different; that actually really did help me.”
The Heritage Foundation has continued its advocacy for greater transparency regarding Harry's immigration case. Nile Gardiner, a representative from the foundation, stated, “The fight continues to release Harry's immigration application to the American people.” This pressure underscores a popular sentiment that celebrities, especially those with royal connections, should not receive different treatment from ordinary applicants.
Adding political dimensions to this unfolding saga, former President Donald Trump has expressed a lack of desire to pursue deportation for Prince Harry, commenting to the New York Post that he would “leave him alone,” further claiming, “He's got enough problems with his wife. She's terrible.” This commentary reflects Trump's ongoing tension with Meghan Markle, who has previously criticized him in public forums.
As of now, while the released documentation confirms the existence of a formal application process and some assurances from immigration officials, it leaves many questions unresolved. Speculations regarding preferential treatment and the implications on Harry's residency status will likely continue to fuel conversations among pundits and the public alike.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the British royal family in 2020 and moved to the U.S., where they reside in California with their children. The ongoing implications of Harry’s visa information may not only affect public perceptions but could hold legal weight as discussions continue around immigration privilege associated with celebrity status.
In this ever-evolving narrative, the scrutiny from figures like the Heritage Foundation serves as a reminder of the complex interplays between fame, public interest, and immigration laws, defining how individuals are viewed within this precarious context.
