Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has long been a figure of public interest, particularly since his decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 and move to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle. However, his time in the U.S. has sparked ongoing scrutiny, especially regarding his immigration status and past admissions about drug use. Recently, attention has once again turned to Prince Harry’s U.S. immigration records, with a request to release these documents drawing considerable public interest. This article examines the verified information about this situation, including the legal processes involved, the history of Prince Harry’s admissions, and the implications of his past on his U.S. residency.
Background on Prince Harry’s U.S. Move
In early 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a significant decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family. This move was part of their desire to achieve financial independence and live a life away from the constant media scrutiny that comes with royal life. The couple relocated to North America, first living in Canada and later settling in Montecito, California. Since their relocation, they have focused on various philanthropic endeavors, including mental health advocacy and environmental issues. Their move was initially seen as a bold step in their pursuit of a more private life, though it has also raised questions about their status in the U.S.
Since their move, the couple’s status has been under scrutiny, particularly in relation to Prince Harry’s visa and residency status. As a British citizen, Prince Harry’s move to the U.S. required proper immigration procedures, and there has been public interest in whether his past actions, particularly his admissions about drug use, might have any implications for his residency in the country.
The FOIA Request for Prince Harry’s Immigration Records
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s U.S. immigration status intensified in early 2025 with the filing of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative U.S. think tank. The Foundation sought to obtain Prince Harry’s immigration records, specifically to investigate how his past drug use might have influenced his eligibility for a U.S. visa.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Heritage Foundation’s request was part of an ongoing interest in Prince Harry’s background, especially following his candid admissions about his drug use in his 2023 memoir, Spare. The request primarily focuses on whether his history of drug use—particularly substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and psychedelic mushrooms—was disclosed during his visa application process.
In response to the FOIA request, the DHS confirmed that it would release redacted versions of Prince Harry’s visa records, ensuring that any personal or sensitive information is withheld. The release of these documents is an important development, as it will provide clarity on whether Prince Harry’s past drug use had any bearing on his ability to enter and reside in the U.S. However, it is important to note that the DHS has not indicated any wrongdoing in Prince Harry’s visa process, and the release of these documents does not suggest that his residency is in jeopardy.
Prince Harry’s Admissions About Drug Use
In Spare, Prince Harry was open about his past drug use, sharing details of his experiences with cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelics during different periods of his life. He discussed using these substances both during his youth and later as a means of coping with grief after the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
One of the more significant parts of Prince Harry’s public revelation involved his use of psychedelics, including mushrooms, in his adult life. He explained that he turned to psychedelics as a way to process his emotions and grief. He also made it clear in interviews, such as with 60 Minutes Australia, that while he would not recommend recreational drug use, he believed that, under the right circumstances, psychedelics could offer therapeutic benefits for those dealing with deep emotional pain and trauma.
Prince Harry’s public openness about his past has sparked discussions, particularly regarding its potential impact on his U.S. visa. However, it is important to note that, in accordance with U.S. immigration law, drug use can affect a person’s eligibility for a visa. The U.S. government typically considers whether applicants have been involved in drug-related activities, though the specifics of how this applies to Prince Harry’s case remain unclear.
The Legal Framework: U.S. Immigration and Drug Use
U.S. immigration law includes provisions that disqualify individuals from obtaining a visa or green card if they have been involved in drug-related activities. However, the application of these laws depends on the specifics of the case, including the applicant’s history and whether any waivers or exceptions are applicable.
In Prince Harry’s case, there has been no official statement from U.S. immigration authorities suggesting that his past drug use has led to any complications in his visa status. The ongoing FOIA request and the release of his immigration documents will provide more clarity about whether his past admissions were fully disclosed during the application process and if they had any impact on his eligibility.
Public Interest in the U.S. Immigration Process
The public’s interest in Prince Harry’s U.S. immigration status reflects the broader scrutiny surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step away from royal duties and establish their lives in the U.S. Prince Harry’s high-profile status as a member of the British royal family, combined with his candidness about personal issues, has kept him under the media’s watchful eye. His decisions, including his move to California and his admissions in Spare, have fueled public interest in his immigration status.
The release of Prince Harry’s immigration documents could provide insight into the U.S. visa process for high-profile individuals and shed light on how his past actions were considered by immigration authorities. However, it is also crucial to note that his residency status in the U.S. remains a private matter, and there has been no official indication that his visa or legal standing is under any immediate threat.
Prince Harry’s Life in the U.S.
Since moving to California, Prince Harry has embraced a more private and independent life, focusing on his family and philanthropic work. He and Meghan Markle have been involved in various charity initiatives, including their work with the Invictus Games and their mental health advocacy through the Archewell Foundation. The couple’s decision to step back from royal duties has been met with mixed reactions, but it has allowed them to carve out a different path away from the royal spotlight.
Despite the challenges they have faced in their new life, Prince Harry has continued to speak openly about his personal struggles and commitment to his family and causes. His life in the U.S. has been marked by efforts to build a more private existence while also addressing social issues that are important to him.
Conclusion
The release of Prince Harry’s U.S. immigration documents will provide clarity on his visa status and shed light on how his past drug use was considered in the application process. While the FOIA request has generated significant public interest, it is important to note that there is no confirmed indication that Prince Harry’s past will affect his residency in the U.S. The situation highlights the intersection of personal history, public scrutiny, and the legal processes involved in immigration, particularly for high-profile individuals. As the documents are released, the public will gain more insight into the complexities of Prince Harry’s U.S. immigration status, but for now, the focus remains on his ongoing work and the life he continues to build in California.
