Donald Trump, Prince Harry, The Heritage Foundation, and Meghan Markle have all been thrust into the spotlight once again, as legal questions loom over whether the Duke of Sussex might have misled U.S. immigration authorities about his past drug use. Trump's recent remarks on the possibility of prosecuting Harry, coupled with a lawsuit filed by a Washington, D.C. think tank, have fueled speculation about the royal's future in America. "I'll leave him alone," Donald Trump told the New York Post, before adding, "He's got enough problems with his wife. She's terrible."
Several conservative groups, including The Heritage Foundation, have demanded Harry's immigration records be released. They point to admissions in his memoir Spare regarding cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. "I'll be urging the president to release Prince Harry's immigration records and the president does have that legal authority to do that," Nile Gardiner of The Heritage Foundation previously told the New York Post. U.S. judge Carl Nichols has already ruled that while the public does not have a strong interest in disclosure, he will allow the "maximum amount possible" to be revealed about how Harry entered the country in 2020.
Some experts believe Trump might eventually back legal action against Harry if evidence suggests the Duke lied on his visa application. "President Trump has made it very clear that if Harry is found to have not told the truth on his visa application, then he could face prosecution," an unnamed source told RadarOnline.com.
"President Trump has said he won't deport Harry but there is no doubt he would support a prosecution. The word in Washington is he should be very worried indeed. There is no love lost between the Sussexes and President Trump," the source added.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, moved to California in 2020 with Meghan Markle after stepping back from royal duties. Their high-profile exit included media interviews in which they accused the British press of racist and relentless coverage. In a separate statement to the Daily Express in February 2024, Donald Trump accused the Biden administration of "protecting" Harry. He said, "I wouldn't protect him. He betrayed the Queen. That's unforgivable. He would be on his own if it was down to me."
Public relations experts suggest the Sussexes should focus on their philanthropic ventures, like the Invictus Games, to counter the controversy. Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital: "Limiting public discussions regarding personal grievances would be advised to shift the narrative back onto their charitable endeavors." Helena Chard, a British broadcaster, also remarked, "Trump speaks highly and values our monarchy. For this reason, he is giving poor hoodwinked Harry a right to stay in the U.S. Prince Harry is a small fry for Trump to bother with."
Royal specialist Richard Fitzwilliams expressed doubt that Harry would ever be deported, noting, "Donald Trump values his relationship with the royal family. And to have the fifth in line to the throne fighting to avoid being deported ... would have been an undignified cause celebre." Nevertheless, legal challenges persist. The Heritage Foundation insists that U.S. law "generally renders such a person inadmissible for entry" if they fail to disclose previous drug use.
Immigration controversies aside, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have endured ongoing criticism since relocating to California. "People don't take too kindly to Harry and Meghan throwing their family to the wolves, upsetting the late great Queen Elizabeth II and humiliating the royal family," said Chard. Meanwhile, Trump has never been shy about his own disdain for Meghan. During an earlier interview, he used the words "misogynist" and "divisive" to describe her, and in turn, she once called him "nasty."
Despite the media storm, Harry is pressing ahead with the Invictus Games, his initiative that supports injured service personnel and veterans. Observers note that these sporting events highlight a positive legacy from his time in the British Army. Royal insiders add that Meghan is preparing to premiere a lifestyle series and launch American Riviera Orchard, while Harry remains dedicated to veterans' causes. British royal commentator Neil Sean speculated that "time out of the United States might be a good reset," but also emphasized that Meghan "needs to push ahead with her career."
With Judge Nichols now determining which immigration documents can be disclosed-and Donald Trump remaining noncommittal on whether he will intervene-Prince Harry's legal future remains uncertain. However, multiple sources agree that if incriminating evidence emerges, "He could face prosecution," as one insider said. Whether or not a formal inquiry leads to legal consequences, many observers argue that the best course of action for Harry is to keep a low profile and focus on the philanthropic path that first endeared him to the public.
- Key Points in the Visa Dispute:
- Harry admitted to prior drug use in his memoir Spare.
- The Heritage Foundation filed a lawsuit to access Harry's immigration records.
- Judge Carl Nichols has ruled some documents could be partially disclosed.
- Donald Trump said he doesn't plan to deport Harry but would support prosecution if the prince lied.
