Prince Harry’s US Visa Files Released with Heavy Redactions
Documents related to Prince Harry’s US visa application have been released following a court order, but they reveal little information due to extensive redactions. The release came after a freedom of information request filed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, which alleged that Prince Harry may have concealed past drug use in his application when moving to the United States in 2020.
The Controversy Behind the Visa Inquiry
The Heritage Foundation’s request stemmed from Prince Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, where he admitted to using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. According to US immigration laws, any admission of past drug use can potentially disqualify applicants from obtaining a visa, although immigration officers have the discretion to grant exceptions.
In Spare, Harry recounted experimenting with drugs, stating:
“Cocaine didn’t do anything for me, but marijuana is different, that actually really did help me.”
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Court Battle and Privacy Concerns
Despite a previous ruling that Prince Harry’s privacy outweighed public interest, Judge Carl Nichols reversed that decision last week and ordered the government to release redacted versions of the documents. However, the unsealed files offered little new information, with over half of the 80 pages heavily redacted.
A declaration from Jarrod Panter, a US Department for Homeland Security (DHS) official, warned that releasing unredacted documents could expose Harry to “harm and harassment” from the public, stating:
“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.”
What Do the Documents Reveal?
The documents released primarily include court transcripts and supporting declarations from the Heritage Foundation’s case, but no details were disclosed about how Prince Harry answered the drug-use question on his visa application.
Trump’s Take
In a surprising twist, former President Donald Trump recently commented on Prince Harry’s immigration status, saying he would not deport Harry. Trump reportedly remarked:
“I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”
What’s Next for Prince Harry?
While the documents do not clarify whether Prince Harry disclosed his past drug use, the heavy redactions ensure that his immigration status and privacy remain protected for now. However, with ongoing scrutiny over his US residency, the saga may not be over yet.
