A legal expert has suggested that Prince Harry might hold a rare United States visa designated for heads of state and royal family members. This revelation comes amidst inquiries regarding how the Duke of Sussex’s previous acknowledgment of drug use aligns with America’s stringent immigration regulations.
Residing in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Harry finds himself entangled in a legal battle instigated by the right-wing Heritage Group. The group seeks the release of Prince Harry’s immigration file from the US Department of Homeland Security.
Former US president Donald Trump and former ambassador to the UK, Jane Hartley, are among those who have recently weighed in on the speculation sparked by Prince Harry’s candid discussion of his past drug use in his January 2023 autobiography, “Spare.”
A judge currently oversees the private review of Prince Harry’s visa application as part of the Heritage Foundation’s push to make it public. During a Washington hearing in February, US government lawyers reportedly indicated that it was “certainly plausible” for the royal to be on an A-1 diplomatic visa.
While A-1 visas typically hinge on conducting official duties on behalf of another state while in America, a US immigration expert has pointed out that Prince Harry might possess a distinct A-1 Head of State visa, exempt from such requirements.
Melissa Chavin, a US immigration lawyer based in London, explained that Prince Harry could potentially hold an ‘A-1 Head of State’ visa, designated for heads of state and royal family members, given his position as fifth in line to the British throne.
“It’s just extremely special,” remarked Chavin. “And the security check is not the same. It’s a lower security check.”
An A-1 Head of State visa holder is not obligated to work as a royal family member while in the US and is permitted to stay indefinitely during each visit. If Prince Harry indeed holds such a visa, he can retain it as long as he remains in the line of succession for the British throne.
According to the US Embassy in London’s website, applicants for a regular A-1 diplomatic visa must engage solely in official activities on behalf of their national government. However, a ‘head of state or government’ qualifies for an A-1 visa regardless of the purpose of their visit to the United States.
Representatives for the Duke of Sussex have been approached for comment by The Independent, but no response has been received thus far.
In updated Companies House records last month, Prince Harry changed his primary country of residence from Britain to the US.
