The spotlight on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has intensified following a meeting between Prince William and Donald Trump at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested the couple might feel "a little bit nervous" due to ongoing scrutiny of Harry's U.S. visa status, sparked by his past admissions of drug use.
Prince William, attending on behalf of King Charles, met with Trump to emphasize the "special relationship" between the U.K. and U.S. This marked the first interaction between a member of the British Royal Family and the former president since Trump left the White House in 2021. The meeting coincided with the reopening of the historic cathedral, four years after it was devastated by a fire.
The timing of the encounter has raised questions about its implications for Harry and Meghan, particularly in light of past comments by Trump. The former president previously stated he would not support Harry if allegations arose that he had lied about drug use on his visa application. "I wouldn't protect him," Trump said to the Daily Express US. "He betrayed the Queen. That's unforgivable."
The visa issue first came to prominence after the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit requesting the release of Harry's immigration records. The foundation argued that the public had a right to know whether Harry received preferential treatment following his admissions in his memoir, Spare. While a judge ruled the records would remain private, the controversy persists.
Fitzwilliams downplayed the likelihood of Harry and Meghan being a topic of discussion during Trump's meeting with William. "I very strongly doubt that Harry and Meghan are among the priorities of the president," he said on GB News. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that lingering questions about Harry's visa application could cause unease.
Trump's son, Eric, has also weighed in on the matter, dismissing the visa controversy as insignificant. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said, "I don't give a damn about Prince Harry, and I don't think this country does either." Eric Trump instead praised Prince William and Princess Kate, commending their steadfast commitment to their royal roles.
William has never "made a misstep", and Kate "conducts herself so incredibly well and has been such a rock in the next generation of the famil," Eric said, adding that his family has long admired the Royal Family, particularly the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite the swirling speculation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have remained silent on the matter. The couple has been the subject of intense public scrutiny since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Harry's memoir, Spare, brought renewed attention to his past, including revelations about his drug use.
The meeting between Trump and William was notable not only for its timing but also for its symbolism, as it underscored the enduring ties between the U.K. and U.S. Trump's remarks about his affinity for the monarchy, particularly the late Queen, further highlighted the significance of the relationship.
With Trump hinting at possible action if Harry's visa application is found to be misleading, and the Heritage Foundation continuing its push for transparency, the situation remains fraught with uncertainty. While Fitzwilliams suggests the issue may not be a priority for Trump, the former president's past comments have ensured that the controversy lingers.
