Prince Harry may be facing a legal battle that could determine his ability to remain in the United States, as a federal judge has ordered a hearing on his immigration records, Today’s Esquire reported.
Judge Carl J. Nichols has ruled that attorneys representing the Department of Homeland Security and the Heritage Foundation must meet in a Washington, D.C. court to discuss the release of Prince Harry’s visa application. The conservative think tank filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking clarity on whether the Duke of Sussex received special treatment when he was granted entry into the U.S.
“This is a truly astonishing moment,” a source familiar with the case said. “It would have been almost unimaginable for a British royal to be forced to defend their right to live in the United States.”
The lawsuit stems from concerns that Prince Harry may not have fully disclosed his history of drug use when applying for a visa. The 39-year-old royal admitted in his memoir Spare that he had used cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms, raising questions about whether he was truthful on his application.
Trump Weighs In on Harry’s Fate
The legal proceedings come amid speculation that Prince Harry may not receive support from President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for speaking out against the royal family.
Trump, who has returned to the White House, has taken a firm stance on immigration policies and has hinted that Harry could face consequences if it is proven that he provided false information.
“If he lied, they’ll have to take appropriate action,” Trump reportedly stated.
Despite being married to an American citizen, Meghan Markle, and having two children—Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3—who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and the U.K., Harry’s immigration status remains under scrutiny.
Mike Howell, executive director of the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, emphasized that the goal of the inquiry is to determine whether Harry was “properly vetted” or if he received special privileges.
“It felt like somebody was pulling strings for Harry,” a source alleged, suggesting that political influence may have played a role in his ability to reside in the U.S.
Could Prince Harry Be Deported?
Legal experts say that if Prince Harry is found to have misrepresented details on his visa application, he could face serious consequences, including potential deportation.
Nile Gardiner, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, has urged the administration to release Harry’s immigration records, arguing that transparency is necessary.
While the Duke of Sussex has remained silent on the matter, the case is expected to spark heated debate as it moves forward in federal court.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.