Prince Harry’s immigration files set for public release after legal battle over drug use

A US court has ruled that files related to the Duke of Sussex’s visa application must be made public by March 18.

The decision, issued by Judge Carl Nichols, requires the US Department of Homeland Security to release redacted versions of the documents following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request filed by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media outlets.

The request was triggered by Harry's admission of past drug use in his memoir Spare, where he mentioned taking cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. This raised questions from the Heritage Foundation about whether his prior drug use may have influenced his eligibility for a US visa in 2020.

Judge Nichols’ ruling, dated March 15, compels the release of the documents no later than Tuesday. The decision follows a September 2024 ruling in which the judge had originally stated that there was insufficient public interest in disclosing Harry’s immigration records. However, the Heritage Foundation contested this and sought to have the judgment revised.

In February, after initially refusing the FOI request, lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security agreed to release redacted versions of the documents. In court filings, department lawyer John Bardo specified that any information that could be withheld according to court determinations would be redacted.

The Heritage Foundation has alleged that the Duke of Sussex may have hidden details of past illegal drug use in his visa application, which they argue could have disqualified him from being granted a US visa. They believe this information should be disclosed, raising concerns over the transparency and integrity of the US immigration process.

In February, former President Donald Trump dismissed the idea of deporting Harry from the US, telling The New York Post, “I’ll leave him alone,” and adding, “He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.” Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been outspoken in her criticism of Trump, calling him “divisive” and “misogynist,” and supporting his rival, Hillary Clinton, during the 2016 presidential election.

In Spare, Harry discussed his drug use, saying that cocaine “didn’t do anything for me,” while marijuana was “different” and “actually really did help me.” In a March 2024 interview with Nigel Farage on GB News, Trump commented on the possibility of Harry receiving preferential treatment due to his status. When asked whether Harry should receive special privileges if he had lied on his visa application, Trump responded, “No. We’ll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they’ll have to take appropriate action.”

By Tamilla Hasanova