Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that the Duke's visa application is currently under review, a development that could significantly impact his family's future in the United States.
The Heritage Foundation has initiated legal action against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to obtain the Duke's visa records, specifically targeting his disclosed drug usage history. However, DHS has denied the request, citing privacy restrictions similar to those governing medical records.
According to the Express, everyone, including the Duke, is eagerly awaiting Judge Carl Nichols' decision on whether he will make the specifics of the case public while reviewing them in secret. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun that Prince Harry could face embarrassment if he disclosed his drug use on the application. Conversely, if he did not disclose it, news of it would still likely circulate, posing problems for the Sussexes. Although the Duke's current visa is valid, there may be issues with renewal, leading to rumors of potential deportation. If deported, he would have to leave behind his life in the U.S., including his marriage to the Duchess, their £12 million mansion, and their two young children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 2.
Mr. Fitzwilliams has expressed concerns about a possible double standard, suggesting that the Duke, who has publicly criticized the royal family, might be held accountable for any issues that arise, whether due to preferential treatment or dishonesty during his U.S. government clearance. The Heritage Foundation considers this an important issue, particularly if it appears that there are double standards at play. The Duke reportedly attempted to prevent the disclosure of his visa application details. The Heritage Foundation and other plaintiffs filed their lawsuit against DHS on February 24th in Washington D.C., and the case remains ongoing.
U.S.-based immigration lawyer Gorgie told the Daily Express that the judge will likely weigh the reasons and benefits of making the information public against the Duke's right to privacy and DHS's interest in keeping individual information confidential. If the judge grants this Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, it could lead to many similar requests in the future for less public figures, potentially setting a precedent that the judge might prefer to avoid.
