Prince Harry faces renewed scrutiny over his US visa amid controversy surrounding past drug use claims
Credit : Shutterstock, B. Lenoir
Prince Harry’s US visa application is back in the headlines, as newly released court documents reignite controversy over the Duke of Sussex’s past drug use.
But despite the buzz, many of the juicy details remain hidden.
Prince Harry’s US visa controversy explained: Did past drug use affect his application?
This latest drama kicked off when the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank from Washington DC, demanded to see the Duke’s immigration records. They claim Harry wasn’t entirely truthful about his previous drug experiences when applying for his US visa, suggesting it could—and maybe should—have disqualified him.
Harry himself made headlines earlier this year when his memoir ‘Spare’ detailed youthful adventures involving cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. The catch? US immigration forms clearly ask applicants about any past or current drug use, and admitting to such behaviour can significantly impact the chances of visa approval.
What exactly has been revealed (and what hasn’t)
So far, the documents released are heavily censored, and notably missing is Prince Harry’s actual visa application. Instead, the files mainly contain legal statements and transcripts from the ongoing battle sparked by the Heritage Foundation’s request.
Interestingly, US immigration authorities previously resisted releasing Harry’s records, worried about possible harassment and unwanted attention aimed at the Duke. Jarrod Panter from the Department of Homeland Security stated clearly that revealing sensitive information could expose Harry to harassment or even worse.
Heritage foundation challenges prince Harry’s visa: Legal battle continues
Sam Dewey, speaking for the Heritage Foundation, expressed deep frustration over the limited release of information. He hinted they might take further legal action against US immigration authorities, claiming Harry received preferential treatment due to his royal status.
Ever since Harry moved to the US with Meghan Markle back in 2020, rumours and speculation about his exact visa status have never truly settled down. Meghan’s status is straightforward as a US citizen, but Harry’s details remain a bit of a mystery.
President Donald Trump famously dismissed the idea of deporting Harry, joking he had enough issues ‘with his wife’. Meghan has previously criticised Trump, labelling him a ‘misogynist’.
As this latest chapter unfolds, it looks like the scrutiny around Prince Harry’s new American life is far from over.
