In a surprising recent ruling, a US court has decided that Prince Harry's visa records must be made accessible to the public by Tuesday. This decision from District Judge Carl Nichols stems from a freedom of information request filed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington DC. The foundation claims that Prince Harry failed to disclose his historical use of drugs, which could have made him ineligible for a US visa. The controversy integrates elements from Harry’s memoir “Spare,” published in January 2023, in which he discusses his experiences with cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms.
Prince Harry's Immigration Documents Ordered for Release by US Court
Prince Harry's Immigration Documents Ordered for Release by US Court
A US district judge has mandated the public disclosure of Prince Harry’s immigration records due to a FOI request raising questions about his drug use.
In his memoir, Harry reflects on his initial encounter with cocaine at the age of 17, noting, “It wasn't much fun, and it didn't make me particularly happy,” but acknowledging it altered his state of mind. He further described his time with marijuana as largely beneficial compared to cocaine, stating, “cocaine didn’t do anything for me.” Visa application forms in the US explicitly inquire about past and present drug use, and failures to disclose such information can lead to visa rejections, or potentially, lifelong bans.
The Heritage Foundation argues that Prince Harry’s alleged failure to report his drug use to US immigration officials constitutes a significant legal violation. The court's recent order follows an earlier ruling in 2024 by Judge Nichols that indicated insufficient public interest in revealing Harry’s immigration documents. However, the Heritage Foundation challenged that decision, ultimately securing this latest order.
Since relocating to the US with Meghan Markle in 2020, Prince Harry has been living an increasingly public life away from royal duties, though his visa type has not been publicly clarified. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump humorously dismissed notions of deporting him, implying that Harry has his own familial challenges. The story has garnered mixed reactions, especially as Meghan Markle has been outspoken in her criticisms of Trump in the past.
The Heritage Foundation argues that Prince Harry’s alleged failure to report his drug use to US immigration officials constitutes a significant legal violation. The court's recent order follows an earlier ruling in 2024 by Judge Nichols that indicated insufficient public interest in revealing Harry’s immigration documents. However, the Heritage Foundation challenged that decision, ultimately securing this latest order.
Since relocating to the US with Meghan Markle in 2020, Prince Harry has been living an increasingly public life away from royal duties, though his visa type has not been publicly clarified. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump humorously dismissed notions of deporting him, implying that Harry has his own familial challenges. The story has garnered mixed reactions, especially as Meghan Markle has been outspoken in her criticisms of Trump in the past.
