Prince Harry's US visa controversy came to a head after months of speculation and legal wrangling. The debate over his eligibility for a visa stemmed from revelations in his memoir *Spare* about past drug use, which sparked a legal challenge. Conservative think tank Heritage Foundation sought to determine if his visa application followed US immigration law, particularly given his admissions of using illegal substances. The case reached a critical point when a court ruled on the matter, putting an end to the public legal battle.
The Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in March 2023, demanding that Prince Harry’s visa records be released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The organization argued that his past drug use, which included cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic experiences, should have rendered him ineligible for a US visa, potentially even resulting in deportation.
In his memoir *Spare*, Prince Harry opened up about using drugs as a way to cope with trauma and grief over his mother, Princess Diana’s, death. He also admitted to experimentation as a form of rebellion against royal life. While these personal confessions earned him sympathy from some, they also raised questions about whether he had been transparent in his visa application.
The Heritage Foundation’s lawsuit focused on whether Prince Harry received special treatment because of his status as a high-profile royal. US immigration law typically bars entry to individuals who admit to using illegal drugs, unless they receive a special waiver, which could be granted for various reasons, including the individual’s role as a public figure. The lawsuit argued that the public had a right to know whether Prince Harry was treated differently than other applicants.
Prince Harry’s legal team maintained that his visa was processed lawfully, without any undue influence or special considerations. His attorneys argued that the lawsuit was a politically motivated effort aimed at discrediting him and that there was no legal basis to release his visa application.
In August 2024, a federal judge dismissed the case, ruling that Prince Harry’s visa records would not be released. The court determined that the Heritage Foundation had no legal standing to force the disclosure of his private immigration information. While US visa law does include restrictions on drug use, the court found no evidence to suggest Prince Harry’s application was processed unlawfully.
This ruling was seen as a significant victory for Prince Harry, allowing him to maintain his privacy and continue his life in the US. The decision also set a precedent for how public figures’ visa applications may be treated in similar cases, highlighting the balance between public interest and individual privacy.
With the court ruling in his favor, Prince Harry can remain in the US, where he lives with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children. His future in the country seems secure, at least from a legal standpoint, but the controversy over his drug use and the public’s interest in his private life is unlikely to fade away entirely.
While this court battle has concluded, it serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that Prince Harry continues to face, even after stepping back from royal duties. His victory in the case allows him to focus on his personal and professional endeavors, including charitable work and media projects, without the looming threat of deportation or further legal challenges to his US residency.
