In a new development regarding Prince Harry’s US visa, the US government has invoked a legal precedent involving former President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited privacy concerns similar to those protected in Trump’s case, as it faces a lawsuit from the Heritage Foundation seeking disclosure of Prince Harry’s visa records.
The Heritage Foundation initiated legal action to obtain information about the visa Prince Harry used to enter the US and whether any special privileges were granted during his application process. This follows revelations in Prince Harry’s memoir, where he admitted to previous drug use, potentially impacting his admissibility under US law.
The DHS’s defense in court highlighted a previous ruling that affirmed Trump’s privacy rights outweighed public interest in certain government interactions from his pre-presidential years. John Bardo, representing the DHS, argued that Prince Harry’s privacy interests are even more significant, given his non-official status in US governance and lack of electoral involvement.
The controversy stems from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relocation to the US in 2020, with scrutiny intensifying following the publication of Harry’s memoir in 2023, where drug use admissions were made. The Heritage Foundation seeks clarity on whether Prince Harry’s visa application was truthful and whether any exceptional treatment was afforded.
The outcome of this legal battle could shape future transparency regarding high-profile individuals’ visa processes in the US, particularly those with ties to public figures.